As The Masked Singer makes its highly anticipated return to ITV for a seventh series, fans of the popular guessing game are already deep in speculation about the identities behind the elaborate costumes. One character in particular, Conkers, has sparked a flurry of theories, with many viewers convinced they have unmasked the person behind the knightly attire.
Coronation Street Star Tipped as Top Suspect
On social media platforms, a strong consensus is emerging that Conkers is none other than Sam Aston, the actor renowned for playing Chesney Brown on the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Aston, now 32 years old, first joined the cast as a child actor at the age of ten, and his lengthy tenure on the show has made him a familiar face to millions.
"I think Conkers is Sam Aston, who plays Chesney Winter-Brown in #Corrie," one fan declared on X, formerly known as Twitter. This sentiment was echoed by others, with simple assertions like "Conker - Sam Aston" and "My guess Sam Aston" gaining traction online as the episode aired.
Alternative Theories and Competing Clues
However, the mystery is far from solved, with other notable names being put forward by eagle-eyed viewers. Some believe the clues point towards Richard Fleeshman, another former Coronation Street actor who portrayed Craig Harris from 2002 to 2006. One fan elaborated on this theory, connecting dots to Fleeshman's role in the musical Ghost and his musical talents.
"He was in Corrie in 2002, he appeared in Ghost and the character he played was called Sam. He plays the piano, hence the keys. The heart could be because all the small things were called heart and soul in Australia," the fan speculated, demonstrating the detailed analysis that fuels the show's fanbase.
Other suggestions have included Coronation Street's Lee Dennis, but perhaps the most divergent theory points to singer and television presenter Olly Murs. Supporters of this idea cite clues such as a Lego heart and the phrase "hit my Mark," linking to Murs' Heart radio show with co-host Mark Wright. "Conkers sounds like Olly Murs deliberately singing off key," one viewer noted, while another mentioned his song "Go Ghost" in relation to a clue about not being scared of ghosts.
Even sports personalities have not been ruled out, with some fans detecting "Peter Crouchy vibes" from Conkers' performance and demeanour.
Conkers' Debut and Telling Clues
When Conkers first appeared on the programme, they presented three cryptic clues: discussing "hitting the mark," fears, and facing enemies in competition. Dressed in full knight regalia, they then performed a rendition of Nice To Meet You by Myles Smith, leaving the judging panel—Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, and Mo Gilligan—divided in their guesses.
The panel proposed a host of names, but none have yet been confirmed, keeping the suspense alive for audiences. This uncertainty is a hallmark of the series, which continues to captivate the nation with its blend of celebrity mystery and musical performance.
A Successful Series Premiere
The seventh series kicked off with another unmasking, as The One Show presenter Alex Jones was revealed to be Disc Jockey after her performance of Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club. The judges' guesses ranged from radio legend Annie Mac to footballer Jill Scott, with guest judge Anne-Marie even suggesting "that bird on the cake show," a reference to Dame Mary Berry. Ultimately, all were incorrect, highlighting the show's challenging nature.
Upon her reveal, an emotional Jones dedicated her time on the programme to her children, Teddy, Kit, and Annie, stating, "I have had a lot of fun. We love this programme, as a family, and I just thought it would be a lot of fun and that to do it for my children would be wonderful. And it's the most bizarre experience of my life!"
As the series progresses, fans will undoubtedly continue to dissect every clue and performance, with the identity of Conkers remaining one of the most hotly debated topics. Whether it is Sam Aston, Richard Fleeshman, Olly Murs, or another surprise celebrity, the speculation is sure to keep viewers engaged and guessing until the final reveal.
