Can you resist the urge to play detective and uncover the identities of celebrities disguised as bizarre creatures? Of course not! That's why The Masked Singer has us all hooked, year after year. The 2026 season is already delivering a healthy dose of head-scratching fun, and we're diving headfirst into the most compelling theories and potential reveals. Forget those January blues; it's time to put on your thinking cap and join us as we dissect the clues and speculate about the famous faces hiding beneath those elaborate costumes.
Joel Dommett introduced us to this year's eccentric lineup, and the guessing games immediately kicked into high gear. Who are these celebrities brave enough (or perhaps delightfully crazy enough) to belt out tunes while encased in oversized, undoubtedly sweltering, disguises? Let's explore the most popular theories swirling around the internet.
Moth:
Moth's stunning rendition of Mariah Carey's "Hero" has set the internet ablaze with speculation. The leading theory? It's none other than Keisha Buchanan of the Sugababes! The voice, the stage presence – it all seems to add up. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are particularly convinced. One user exclaimed, "Just catching up on #TheMaskedSingerUK and Moth is 1000000% the iconic @keisha_buchanan!" Another agreed, "We see you Keisha Buchanan as Moth, I know that voice." But here's where it gets controversial... Could it be someone else entirely? The judges offered alternative guesses, including Alexandra Burke and Jessie J. Davina McCall even threw out Molly Ringwald's name, which, let's be honest, seems a bit of a stretch.
Can of Worms:
Prepare yourself for the truly bizarre! Can of Worms is arguably the most outlandish costume this season, and their identity is shrouded in mystery. The initial video featured a plate of pastries, suggesting a connection to breakfast television. But this is The Masked Singer, so nothing is ever straightforward. They also emphasized their love for the outdoors, declaring, "Here's my patch" and boasting about their "green fingers." And this is the part most people miss... There's also that framed photo of James May and Richard Hammond! What could it all mean?
The judges initially pointed to Kaleb Cooper from Clarkson's Farm and Paul Whitehouse. Online detectives have suggested names like Ben Shepherd and Marvin Humes (citing his green hair in JLS promo photos and the May/Hammond initials hinting at MH). Some are even floating Jeremy Clarkson's name. One X user cleverly pointed out the pastry connection: "Oh hold on…those pastries, if they have ANY link to Bake Off, it may be to do with their companion show An Extra Slice & Tom Allen is one of the hosts of that show, so might be him."
Conkers:
Conkers' performance of Myles Smith's "Nice To Meet You" has left viewers scratching their heads. The clues so far? Filming near a castle, claiming to be "up for any challenge" while also admitting to often "hide in their shell," and a random statement about not being afraid of ghosts. Maya Jama thinks it could be Kiell Smith-Bynoe from the TV series Ghosts. Online, other guesses include Olly Murs, Mark Owen, and (again) Ben Shepherd. Could it be someone completely unexpected? What do you think?
Arctic Fox:
Arctic Fox kicked things off with Pink's "Get The Party Started." Clues include holding a full house of cards, a pot of food for hungry bears, and the declaration: "Be warned. I’ve worn many crowns in my time and I always expect red carpet treatment." They also hinted at being an actor-turned-director: "I spent years perfecting my craft whether in front of a camera or behind the scenes". The crown comment led Jonathan Ross to jokingly suggest Queen Camilla (imagine!), but a more realistic theory points to someone connected to The Crown. The current frontrunner? Strictly Come Dancing legend Anton Du Beke. One X user confidently stated, "Arctic Fox is 100% Anton Du Beke!," while another cited his unmistakable voice: "Arctic Fox is Anton Du Beke, 0 attempt to change his voice."
Toastie:
Toastie has already become iconic with their rendition of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." Their video touched on "not giving up under pressure" and facing past criticism. We also spotted hints of a diamond, a crown, and the date "August 20." The judges suggested Rebecca Ferguson, Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, and Emeli Sande. But viewers at home are largely convinced it's Brenda Edwards from Loose Women. "If it’s not Brenda Edwards, I’ll eat a toastie," one person declared on X. Others have suggested her Loose Women co-stars Judi Love or Alison Hammond. The pressure is on, Toastie! But here's where it gets controversial... Is it possible that the August 20th clue is a red herring, leading us down the wrong path?
Monkey Business:
The clues for Monkey Business were clear: The Apprentice is in the house! The iconic music even played during their video. Additional clues point to a jet-setting lifestyle. Jonathan Ross suggested comedian Katherine Parkinson, while Mo Gilligan believes the Apprentice connection points to Karren Brady. Fans online are also leaning into the Apprentice angle, suggesting former contestants Sara Khan or Deborah Meaden. Could it be someone who's mastered the boardroom and the stage?
Yak:
This hairy beast claims to be a "yak of all trades," but clues suggest a background in TV travel documentaries or shows. One clue involved the Yak advocating for going tech-free. Mo Gilligan connected the phrase "from dusk til dawn" to either the '90s film or the 2014 TV series. Davina McCall suggested Matt Willis, referencing his documentary with Emma Willis about banning phones in schools. However, Yak's less-than-polished vocals have led some to believe they're not a natural singer, perhaps a comedian like Ade Edmondson. Viewers online are also embracing the comedian theory, suggesting Reece Shearsmith. Is it a seasoned traveler, a comedian in disguise, or someone else entirely?
Sloth:
Sloth, despite their name, is a high-energy performer who delivered a lively rendition of Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride." Their video began with a workout, suggesting an influencer or fitness guru. They declared, "I’m bringing fitness, fashion and fierceness to the competition. I know how to represent in the gym and on the world stage." The Sloth was then seen in the jungle, leading the judges to believe they might have appeared on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!. The judges suggested Joe Wicks and Sam Thompson, while viewers have proposed Danny Jones from McFly or even the legendary Mr. Motivator. Is this Sloth a fitness fanatic, a jungle survivor, or both?
Gargoyle:
Gargoyle's performance of the Scissor Sisters' "Filthy/Gorgeous" revealed them to be a '90s icon. The judges guessed Ruby Wax, Mollie King, and Helen Flanagan, but viewers at home are convinced they've cracked the case. A Reddit user pointed to Marcella Detroit from Shakespeare's Sister, citing her distinctive high-pitched vocals. They further explained: "Shakespears Sister's biggest song Stay was released January 13th 1992 – which is why January 13th was one of the major clues." Could this be the breakthrough?
Who Has Already Been Unmasked?
So far, we've seen two celebrities reveal their identities:
- Disc Jockey is The One Show's Alex Jones
- Teabag is rapper Professor Green
The Masked Singer continues on Saturday and Sunday nights on ITV1 and ITVX.
Who do you think is behind the masks? Are you buying into the popular theories, or do you have your own hunches? Let us know in the comments below! We're eager to hear your thoughts and see if you can crack the code before the big reveals. Could one of these seemingly obvious clues be a deliberate misdirection? Sound off below!
