The nation held its breath, and then erupted. After weeks of dazzling performances and mind-bending mystery, a champion was crowned on this year’sMasked Singer. The final three – Moth, Conkers, and Toastie – each took the stage for one last, desperate attempt to conceal their identities, duetting with past stars in a bid to mislead the judges.
The tension was palpable as the moment of truth arrived. When the confetti settled, it was Moth who claimed victory, and with the mask removed, a familiar face emerged: Keisha Buchanan of the Sugababes! Maya Jama was the only judge to correctly identify the star, a testament to her sharp intuition.
Buchanan confessed to adopting a deliberately refined accent throughout her performances, a playful tactic that helped disguise her true voice. The experience, she shared, pushed her outside her comfort zone, allowing her to shine as a solo performer for the first time in years.
The clues, now revealed in their full significance, were a clever nod to her history. The phrase “Enough of going in circles” referenced the Sugababes’ hit “Round Round,” while a candle bearing the number “13” recalled the age at which the group was first signed. A heartfelt statement about the power of supportive fans echoed her early touring days with Take That.
But Moth wasn’t the only mask to fall. Toastie, a vocal powerhouse throughout the competition, was unmasked as Mica Paris. The singer-songwriter, known for hits like “My One Temptation,” had also graced the stage in the West End and even appeared onEastEnders, cleverly weaving those experiences into her clues.
The biggest shock of the night, however, came with the reveal of Conkers. The adorable costume concealed a familiar face to ITV viewers: Ben Shephard! TheTipping Pointhost had even sat as a guest judge weeks prior, and had skillfully deflected suspicion while interviewing eliminated contestants onThis Morning.
Shephard described the experience as “extraordinary” and “emotional,” admitting he’d sought out a challenge upon turning fifty. The reveal sent host Joel Dommett tumbling to the floor in disbelief, a reaction shared by many watching at home.
This season ofThe Masked Singerwas a whirlwind of surprises. From the very beginning, with Anne-Marie and Matt Lucas leading the house band, the show delivered unexpected twists at every turn. Alex Jones, the host ofThe One Show, stunned audiences by appearing as Disc Jockey, a reveal no one predicted.
The unmaskings continued to shock and delight. Professor Green emerged as Teabag, evoking a wave of nostalgia, while Sex Pistols legend Johnny Rotten was revealed as Yak. The legendary Marcella Detroit, a force in the music industry, was unveiled as Gargoyle.
Kate Nash, known for her hit “Foundations,” performed as the energetic Monkey Business, and Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke surprised everyone by stepping out from behind the Arctic Fox mask. Even comedy icon Harry Hill managed to deceive the panel as Red Panda, expertly disguising his voice.
The final weeks brought more unexpected reveals. Adventurer Ben Fogle was unmasked as Sloth, leaving the judges completely baffled, and Marvin Humes, of JLS, surprised everyone by appearing as Can of Worms, despite initial speculation pointing to his bandmate, JB Gill. The series concluded as a testament to the power of disguise, performance, and the enduring appeal of a good mystery.
