The Masked Singer has dropped a first look at the Christmas special with celebrities dressed as a roast turkey and a cracker as comedy legends join the judges panel.

Jennifer Saunders, 66, and Dawn French, 67, have paired up for the festive special and will be joined by regular panellists Davina McCall, 57, Jonathon Ross, 64, and Mo Gilligan, 36.

They will be tasked with guessing which celebrities are hiding behind four new Christmas themed mascots – Star, Christmas Cracker, Turkey Crown and Nutcracker.

The Masked Singer Christmas Special will air on Boxing Day on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Jennifer said: ‘I think Julia managed to elude me because I couldn’t see her face and I’m not that familiar with her lower leg area which was all that was visible – I still don’t even know what Bubble Tea is.

‘Dawn is far more up to date with the who’s who of showbiz so I’m hoping she’ll be giving me some suggestions.

‘My biggest fear is not recognising the celebrity who does actually have to ‘Take it off!!’ I’m hoping we will work as a team.’

Jennifer Saunders, 66, and Dawn French, 67, have paired up for the festive special and will be joined by regular panellists Davina McCall, 57, Jonathon Ross, 64, and Mo Gilligan, 36

They will be tasked with guessing which celebrities are hiding behind four new Christmas themed mascots – Star, Christmas Cracker, Turkey Crown and Nutcracker

The Masked Singer Christmas Special will air on Boxing Day on ITV1 and ITVX

Dawn added: ‘Any rivalry between Jen and I on this show will not be friendly… We love each other but a compeтιтion is a compeтιтion.

‘I’m not feeling quietly confident – I’m feeling loudly and proudly confident! My guesses will no doubt be frighteningly accurate.’

Host Joel Dommett, 39, said: ‘I love that the show is now part of some people’s traditions. Families have their meal and sit down and watch The Masked Singer, it’s lovely.

‘French and Saunders are on the show which is really special because they haven’t done anything together for quite a while – just seeing them together is just a mad thing, so much of my childhood just watching them.’

The Masked Singer Christmas Special will air on Boxing Day on ITV1 and ITVX.