Jennifer Saunders reveals she 'started studying music' in a bid to beat Jonathan Ross on The Masked Singer as she appears as guest panelist
Jennifer Saunders was so determined to beat her Masked Singer co-star Jonathan Ross on the show's panel that she started studying music for teenagers.
The veteran comedian, 65, revealed she spent weeks listening to FKA Twigs, Doja Cat and Cardi B as she prepared for her performance on Saturday.
Jennifer, 65, replaces Rita Ora in the ITV show and will be dressed as a school principal for the school disco theme night.
She told MailOnline: 'I'm going to be strict, very strict. There will be no more fuss, arrests will be thrown out knowingly.
'I keep them all under control! I'm hoping to crack a few jokes and keep Jonathan in check. I am very competitive. I'll be furious if I don't guess the person who pulls it off at the end. Fierce.'
Jennifer Saunders, 65, was so determined to beat her Masked Singer co-star Jonathan Ross on the show's panel that she started studying music for teens
Jennifer continued, “I already have pages of notes. I listened to modern music. I listened to one of my favorites.
'Oh, I'm done with it. I know all my gossip. I don't know everyone who's in Hollyoaks, I can't claim that. I'd like to, but I just can't watch everything.'
The actress, who created French and Saunders with girlfriend Dawn French, said she “refuses” to have fun with co-star Jonathan Ross – and even took a swipe at him, describing him as having less celebrity status than him.
Admitting that she had never been to one of his parties, she said: “We don't hang out with the hoi polloi. We have legend parties.”
Show sources say there is 'huge excitement about Jennifer appearing on the ITV show.
She will join Ross who will be dressed as a janitor, Davina McCall who will play a gym teacher and Mo Gilligan who will be a 'jock'.
Meanwhile, the programme's presenter, Joel Dommett, will be a geography teacher.
The veteran comedian has revealed she spent weeks listening to FKA Twigs, Doja Cat and Cardi B as she prepared for her performance on Saturday when she replaces Rita Ora (Rita and Johnathan pictured on the 2021 show)
She told MailOnline: 'I'm going to keep Jonathan under control. I am very competitive. I'll be furious if I don't guess the person who pulls it off at the end. Ferocious'
Rita, 33, had to withdraw from some episodes of the upcoming season due to work commitments.
Speaking about her absence, she said: “I'm sad to miss some episodes of the new season but keeping my seat warm are some great guest panelists who I'm told are also super competitive and the others will keep you sharp. especially Jonathan! Bring it on.'
Dionne Warwick, Alexander Armstrong and Strictly's Shirley Ballas have already been unmasked on the show.
Maypole, Owl, Bubble Tea, Cricket, Dippy Egg, Bigfoot, Piranha, Air Fryer and Eiffel Tower have all yet to be identified.