The Masked Singer absolutely smashed the rating figures as it launched on ITV on Saturday night.
The series, which sees a number of celebrities disguised in over-the-top costumes take to the stage to sing in front of the judges and audience, was the highest viewed show of the day and peaked with a whopping 6.65million viewers when the first reveal was made towards the end of the programme.
On average, 5.4million tuned in to watch the competition show, beating the likes of Simon Cowell’s The Greatest Dancer series two launch over on BBC One, which was only watched by 3.2million according to overnights.tv.
Meanwhile, The Voice returned to just 4.6million.
![This image is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Wednesday 1st January 2020 From Bandicoot TV The Masked Singer: Ep1 on ITV Pictured: Unicorn performs. This photograph is (C) Bandicoot TV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/The-Masked-Singer-smashes-viewing-figures-with-a-whopping-6.6million-tuning-in-for-first-episode.jpg?media=1711065099)
The Masked Singer is based on a show which originated in South Korea and has been steadily working its way across the world ever since.
Last night’s debut welcomed judges Rita Ora, Ken Jeong, Jonathan Ross and Davina McCall and saw former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer unmasked as The Butterfly after being voted off the series first.
![This image is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Wednesday 1st January 2020 From Bandicoot TV The Masked Singer: Ep1 on ITV Pictured: Duck performs. This photograph is (C) Bandicoot TV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/_357_The-Masked-Singer-smashes-viewing-figures-with-a-whopping-6.6million-tuning-in-for-first-episode.jpg?media=1711065099)
Speaking about her early exit, Patsy said: ‘It’s easier in the mask to sing because you can think, “I can try and pretend to be anyone”, but it was really nerve-wracking I must say.
‘You didn’t guess my voice so at least I’ve done my job.’
Elsewhere, viewers and the panel alike were left completely distracted by The Chameleon’s ‘massive bulge’ and couldn’t look away.
After the mysterious celebrity showcased his vocal ability, Hot Right Now singer Rita admitted: ‘I never thought I’d check out a chameleon, I’m not gonna lie.’
Meanwhile, talk show host Jonathan added: ‘I thought chameleons were meant to disappear but I can see everything right there.’
Audiences also saw Queen Bee and the Unicorn take to the stage, and they’re already convinced they’ve worked out who’s under the masks.
The Masked Singer continues tonight at 8pm on ITV.
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