SHEPHARD'S SHOCKING SECRET: How He FOOLED Everyone on The Masked Singer!

The reveal of Ben Shephard as the masked Conkers sent shockwaves through the studio, stunning even his closest colleagues. The 2026 series of the popular show culminated in a breathtaking moment as theThis Morninghost, hidden beneath the adorable costume, finished as runner-up.

Sugababes’ Keisha Buchanan ultimately claimed the crown as the captivating Moth, with actress Mica Paris delivering a powerful performance as Toastie, securing third place. But it was Shephard’s unmasking that truly stole the show, leaving judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, and Mo Gilligan utterly speechless.

Host Joel Dommett was visibly floored, collapsing in disbelief – a reaction fueled by the fact that Shephard had recently appeared as a guest panelist, offering no hint of his double life. The question on everyone’s mind: how did he pull off such a masterful deception?

Shephard confessed to relishing the secrecy, admitting the challenge of interviewing eliminated contestants onThis Morningwhile concealing his own participation was a thrilling ordeal. He skillfully feigned ignorance, pretending to struggle with understanding the show’s inner workings during conversations with his co-stars.

He described the experience as “remarkable” and “really special,” enjoying the opportunity to be deliberately misleading. He recounted how Davina McCall shared intricate details about the contestant experience, while he expertly steered the conversation with innocent questions.

The presenter was particularly eager to gauge the reaction of his co-host Cat Deeley’s sons, who are devoted fans of the show, and joked about providing his own children with “ammunition for the rest of their lives.” The irony of interviewing those who’d been unmasked while still hidden himself wasn’t lost on him.

The isolation of keeping such a significant secret weighed on Shephard, fueling his anticipation for the moment of revelation. He longed to finally share the experience with everyone, to break free from the carefully constructed facade.

Cat Deeley’s reaction was particularly poignant, confessing she “cried” upon seeing the Conkers costume. Lorraine Kelly and Gaby Roslin also expressed their astonishment, showering Shephard with praise for his performance and the brilliant misdirection.

Social media exploded with similar reactions, with viewers marveling at Shephard’s ability to throw everyone off the scent. Many highlighted his guest appearance on the panel as a stroke of genius, a masterful layer of deception.

Guesses ranged wildly, with some viewers confidently proclaiming his identity from early performances, while others remained baffled until the very end. The clues, cleverly woven into the show’s segments, included references to his hosting gig onTipping Pointand his early career on Davina McCall’s show,Good Stuff.

A Conkers-printed blanket, a nod to a memorable moment inCoronation Street, and a Lego heart, referencing his voice work inThe Lego Ninjago Movie, added layers of intrigue. Shephard embraced the character’s vulnerability, portraying Conkers as a brave knight with a hidden nervousness and a desire for connection.

He fell in love with the costume, seeing it as an opportunity to embody a character who was both strong and relatable. The references to castles in the video packages were deliberately played into, adding another layer to the elaborate illusion.