‘I make props for The Masked Singer and The Traitors TV shows’

The maker of giant masks for The Masked Singer and props for The Traitors describes working on the two hit TV shows as “fun and exciting”.

Tim Simpson has worked on every series of the ITV hit singing competition since 2020, and has also created giant chess pieces and the giant villain model for challenges on the hit BBC show.

The model maker, who created masks for Can of Worms and Disc Jockey in the new series of The Masked Singer, says he is also making a “mystery prop” for an upcoming challenge in The Traitors.

He said: “I’ve been making silly costumes since I was a kid and to be asked to do it for money is the most extraordinary thing.”

Alan Carr’s Celebrity Traitors was one of the biggest TV hits of 2025.

Mr Simpson, owner of Plunge Creations in Portslade, East Sussex, created the chess props for one of the challenges.

he said BBC Radio Sussex: “The giant villain roaming the chessboard, this chilling, iconic character, was one of us.

“I think it scares people. That’s what nightmares are made of.”

Mr Simpson and his team also created other giant chess pieces, including a snake and a mouse.

He said the following about the Traitors series, which started on BBC 1 on Thursday: “We also have a hand in this.

I found something for one of the games but it’s all top secret.

“It was a fun and beautiful thing to build.

“You’ll know it when you see it. It’ll show up and surprise you.”

Discussing his creations for the new series of The Masked Singer, the model maker said: “He’s back and I think it’s the best set we’ve ever done.

“I love them. My personal favorite is Can of Worms.

“It’s a real collaboration. We start talking to the team in the spring, discussing ridiculous ideas,” he said.

“Even though some of the ideas don’t work very well, we’re just having fun.

“But most of the time they just say ‘just keep going’.”

Mr Simpson and two colleagues created all six characters featured on Saturday night’s ITV show: Red Panda, Moth, Gargoyle, Sloth, as well as Can of Worms and Disc Jockey.

He said: “What you need is a sense of absurdity. You need characters that are likable but also completely weird.”

“You have to somehow make sure they aren’t scary and don’t scare the kids.”