'The Masked Singer UK' confirmed for season 2 return

The UK version of quirky singing show The Masked Singer will be returning for a second run, it has been confirmed.

It comes after the first season which aired earlier in the year proved to be a ratings hits for ITV as 12 celebrities donned elaborate disguises while a panel of judges had to determine who was behind the mask.

ITV's Head of Entertainment Katie Rawcliffe revealed at the Edinburgh TV Festival that casting for the second series is currently taking place.

Read more: Nicola Roberts struggled to breathe in The Masked Singer Queen Bee costume

However, it may have to be filmed without an audience due to the coronavirus pandemic, reports Deadline's Jake Kanter.

Davina McCall, Ken Jeong, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross made up the judging panel while comedian Joel Dommett took on the hosting duties for the debut series.

The programme, which is prerecorded, saw the audience vote for their favourite contestants to determine who went through to the next round with those with the least votes risking an unmasking.

It is not clear how the voting aspect of the competition would be rejigged in the absence of an audience.

The first series featured stars including US singer Kelis, soap star Patsy Palmer and former Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

Read more: Jason Manford unveiled as Hedgehog on The Masked Singer

The programme was won by Girls Aloud songstress Nicola Roberts who was disguised at Queen Bee.

The format originated from South Korean programme King of Mask Singer and has since made its way to countries including the Netherlands, Australia and the US.