ITV The Masked Singer Red Panda theory 'proves' singer is former James Bond star after glaring 007 clue

Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 24/01/2026

- 06:00

Could an actor from the world of James Bond be hiding under the talked-about disguise?

A star of the recent James Bond films has emerged as a likely candidate to be hidden under the Red Panda on this year's The Masked Singer, according to some members of the fandom.

Red Panda has become one of the most talked-about characters of the series so far, although it hasn't always been thanks to their performances on stage.


ITV decided to cut Red Panda's first performance of the series from the show's premiere, citing possible insensitivities given the timing of the broadcast and the fires that devastated a Swiss ski resort earlier this year.

Red Panda returned a few episodes later to perform Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf and deliver a rather cryptic clues package.

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda performs

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ITV

"People think old Red Panda is rooted in the past, but don’t worry, I’m always up to date with all the latest trends," Red Panda said.

"That’s why I’ve sometimes been called a pro. I’m pretty reliable. You don’t need to wonder where I am."

At that point, a voice was heard over a radio, asking: "'Red Panda, do you read me?'"

Red Panda went on: "I’m always 'pawsed', ready for action. Being a Panda, I hit my greatest achievements when I’m cool, calm, and collected.

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda will be back on stage on Saturday night

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ITV

"Sometimes, I do this job solo, but often, we Red Pandas band together. Though, I hadn’t factored in that being part of a gang would be so exciting.

"Right, the burning question is, will they guess 'hose' behind the mask? Well, let’s find out."

However, it wasn't just what Red Panda said in their latest clues package that got tongues wagging, but more a visual clue involving former Bond star, Roger Moore.

In the pre-recorded VT, Red Panda is shown leaving a fire station and walking past a portrait of Mr Moore in character as Bond. "Firefighter of the month" is written on a plaque beneath the portrait.

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda with Joel Dommett

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ITV

Inevitably, this sent eagle-eyed sleuths at home down the path of 007, and it's resulted in one name emerging above all others.

Taking to X, one fan explained: "Is Red Panda Hugh Dennis? Google says he was in a James Bond film, and he was once part of a double act, so the clues fit. #MaskedSingerUK."

Mr Dennis may not seem the most obvious name associated with the Bond franchise, but the 63-year-old did have a speaking role in Daniel Craig's final outing as the iconic spy.

In the opening act of the film, Mr Dennis appears as Dr Hardy. His CV also boasts roles in BBC comedy Outnumbered, Channel 4's The Couple Next Door, Beyond Paradise, and many more.

ITV The Masked Singer: Hugh Dennis

ITV The Masked Singer: Hugh Dennis has emerged as a Red Panda possibility

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PA

Fans will have to wait until Red Panda is unmasked to find out for sure who's performing under the disguise, but Mr Dennis isn't the only star who's been tipped to be under the costume.

Comedian Harry Hill has also emerged as a possible candidate to be secretly concealed by the outfit.

"I'm a bit behind, but even the VT for Red Panda sounded like one of Harry Hill's voices, then they started singing. #MaskedSingerUK," one X user suggested during last week's episode.

And a second agreed: "When he went falsetto, Red Panda sounded like Harry Hill doing his 'son' Gary on #JuniorBakeOff #maskedsingeruk." (sic)

ITV The Masked Singer: Red Panda

ITV The Masked Singer: Will Red Panda be unmasked on Saturday?

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ITV

The arguments for Mr Hill have been countered by some fans thinking it's actually a different comedian under the mask.

Alan Carr, fresh from his victory on the Celebrity Traitors, has been bandied around as another potential Red Panda performer.

Guest judge Ben Shephard even opted for the comedian when he gave his guess during last week's spooky-themed special.

When it came to the judges, guesses ranged from Louis Smith and Jeff Brazier to Simon Le Bon and Luke Goss.