Jason Manford knows the identity of two mystery contestants on the new series of The Masked Singer and said both stars are ‘massive names.’
The comedian, who finished runner-up last year as alter ego Hedgehog, believes the ITV show will have a ‘step up in guests’ as Covid-19 has hit many celebrities in the pocket.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Jason, 39, revealed A-list TV entertainers are not as rich as people think.
‘You will know exactly who they are’: Jason Manford knows the identity of two mystery contestants on the new series of The Masked Singer and says both stars are ‘massive names’
He said: ‘I’ve had five pretty big stars ring me this year firstly to say ‘What was it like? Were you looked after? Was it hard? What are the costumes like? Can you pick your own songs? Is it worth doing?’
‘Out of those five people, two of them are doing it and they are massive names. You will know exactly who they are and be like, ‘wow.’
‘Don’t forget people haven’t worked all year. There’s a presumption that because you’re on telly and been on telly for a long time, you’re alright jack and it’s alright not to earn any money for six months.
‘But everyone’s life costs a certain amount of money. Once that’s gone, you’re like – ‘what am I going to do?”
‘Everyone’s life costs a certain amount’: Jason, who was runner-up last year as Hedgehog, believes the show will have a ‘step up in guests’ as coronavirus has hit many in the pocket
‘Were you looked after? Was it hard?’: Jason revealed to MailOnline ‘five pretty big stars’ phoned him this year to ask questions about the ITV series and two of them have signed up
Jason joked: ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if next year you’ll be like ‘isn’t that Michael Buble in panto?’
‘They’ll be a lot of shows where you’ll think, ‘how did they get them?’ So I think The Masked Singer will have a step up with their guests.’
It was reported last week names of celebrities taking part in the upcoming series had leaked online after segments of the hit ITV show, which starts on Boxing Day, were filmed in front of a studio audience earlier this year.
The quirky characters they’ll be hiding behind were unveiled by show bosses this month and they include Sausage, Alien, Seahorse and Blob.
Cast of 2020: It was reported last week names of celebs taking part in the new series had leaked online after segments of the show were filmed in front of a studio audience this year
Who’s that behind the mask?: The quirky characters they’ll be hiding behind were unveiled by show bosses this month and they include Sausage, Alien, Seahorse and Blob (pictured)
Jason’s success on the show helped land him his ‘dream gig’ hosting the Royal Variety Performance, which aired on Wednesday.
Due to Covid restrictions, the ITV showpiece was filmed in front of virtual audience and Jason was unable to meet members of the Royal family, but couldn’t resist poking fun at them.
However, the comedian reveals he wasn’t given a list of topics he was banned from talking about, such as Netflix series The Crown which the Royals are reportedly unhappy to discuss.
He explained: ‘I did mention it. I did a thing about the internet at the palace, I think I said that’s the real reason why they don’t watch The Crown. It’s not any historical inaccuracy, it’s just the buffering.
New crop: Jason predicts ‘The Masked Singer will have a step up with their guests’ after recruiting entertainers that have been out of work this year due to the coronavirus pandemic
Hostess with the mostess: Jason’s success on The Masked Singer helped land him his ‘dream gig’ hosting the Royal Variety Performance, which aired on Wednesday
‘I often think with The Crown and the Royals, ‘would you want to watch a drama series about your nana?’ I love my nana but she’s not worth four series.’
Jason, whose Like Me UK stand-up tour has been rescheduled for September 2021 and will play over 100 dates, is celebrating festive film Elf coming to Sky Cinema for the first time by teaming up with Sky to find the UK’s biggest Elf fan and give their home an epic Elf inspired makeover.
Speaking on whether he goes all out at Christmas, the father of five said: ‘We have three or four Christmas trees around the house and in the garden.
‘And we have a big Christmas dinner which everyone gets involved in. I’ve seen the video of the competition winner’s house and noted down some ideas – like the candy cane forest. Next year I’ll do that.’
‘Santa! I know him!’: Jason is celebrating Elf coming to Sky Cinema for the first time by teaming up with Sky to find the UK’s biggest Elf fan and give their home an Elf inspired makeover