In a thrilling twist that captivated audiences, The Masked Singer UK delivered a double elimination spectacle on Saturday, unmasking two beloved celebrities in a night of high drama and musical surprises. The elaborate costumes of Monkey Business and Arctic Fox were finally shed, revealing singer-songwriter Kate Nash and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, much to the astonishment of the panel and viewers at home.
A Star-Studded Performance Line-Up
The episode featured an array of contestants, including Toastie, Red Panda, Fox, Can of Worms, Conkers, Moth, and Sloth, all delivering passionate performances while hidden behind intricate disguises. They sang for judges Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and guest star Perrie Edwards, but for Nash and Du Beke, it marked their final bow on the popular ITV show.
Kate Nash's Clever Clues as Monkey Business
Kate Nash, the 38-year-old Foundations hitmaker, performed As Long As He Needs Me from the musical Oliver before her elimination. She later explained the subtle hints she embedded throughout the competition. Coffee-related clues referenced her roles in the films Coffee Wars and Syrup, while a clapperboard displaying 'Take 615' pointed to the area code for Nashville, a playful nod to her surname.
Additionally, her remark about 'a lot of rivals in this business' cleverly alluded to actor Danny Dyer, who appeared in her Wasteman music video and stars in the series Rivals. Her reveal left the panel reeling, as they had speculated that Lily Allen, Kimberly Wyatt, or Shona McGarty might be behind the mask.
Reflecting on her experience, Nash said: 'Talking to the team, everyone who works here is so nice. And allowing myself to do something that was just about having fun and entertainment because I've been doing a lot of touring, and I've been pretty political. So it was nice to just kind of have a laugh, sing some songs, and enjoy the performance and music. I'm not interested in a person if they haven't got a silly billy inside them.'
Anton Du Beke's Arctic Fox Antics
Anton Du Beke, unmasked as Arctic Fox, performed Barbra Streisand's Woman in Love, fooling judges into thinking he might be a drag queen. He quipped: 'I am so glad you thought it was a drag queen because I was giving it the full RuPaul bifta. I was clenching and releasing every second, I don't know how I'm going to go back.'
His clues were equally ingenious: seven acorns referenced his hometown of Sevenoaks in Kent, flour bags hinted at his early career as a baker, and the phrase 'bottom of success' was a cheeky nod to his Rear of the Year award. Du Beke added that he 'loved every second' but was ‘devastated to have been voted off’, and noted that prancing around in Arctic Fox’s boots felt ‘very natural’, joking: 'This isn’t my first rodeo,' in a reference to his Strictly expertise.
Judges' Fashion Statements and Guest Appearances
The judging panel themselves made headlines with their stylish ensembles. Maya Jama, 31, dazzled in a white floor-length dress with a fishtail finish and gold floral pattern, accentuating her silhouette. Davina McCall, 58, turned heads in a high-neck hot pink mini dress with an open front and matching heels.
Jonathan Ross coordinated in a bright pink jacket, while Mo Gilligan looked dapper in a navy and black tuxedo. Guest judge Perrie Edwards shone in a pink and white multicoloured sequin mini dress; it was later revealed she was pregnant during filming and has since welcomed her second baby with footballer fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Recent Unmaskings and Competition Highlights
The episode followed a series of shocking reveals in previous weeks. Last week, legendary 90s pop star Marcella Detroit of Shakespears Sister was unmasked as Gargoyle after a sing-off with Sloth, where she performed Bad Reputation by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Judges had guessed names like Cindy Lauper or Fiona Bruce, but were all incorrect.
In earlier episodes, John Lydon was revealed as Yak after a sing-off with Monkey Business, performing Olivia Newton-John's Physical, and Matt Lucas was unmasked as Emperor Penguin, later joining the panel as a guest. Additionally, rapper Professor Green was revealed as Teabag in another double elimination twist.
The competition continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats, with speculation rife about the remaining masked celebrities. As the show progresses, viewers eagerly await more surprises and stellar performances from the hidden contestants.
