The identity of the mysterious Yak on The Masked Singer UK has become the subject of intense speculation, with many viewers convinced the performer is broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth. The character made its debut on the hit ITV show on Sunday, 4th January, instantly sparking a flurry of online theories.
Yak's Clues and Performance Cause a Stir
As the seventh series launched, Yak took to the stage as one of the new contestants, delivering a set of cryptic clues before performing a rendition of Tom Jones's classic 'Sex Bomb'. The panel of judges – Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, and Mo Gilligan – were left scratching their heads with a range of guesses.
Davina McCall suggested Busted star Matt Willis, while Jonathan Ross pondered actor Adrian Edmondson. Maya Jama guessed it might be DJ Fatboy Slim, and Mo Gilligan leaned towards comedian Leigh Francis, known for his character Keith Lemon.
Viewers Point the Finger at This Morning Star
However, fans watching at home had a very different idea. On social media platform X, numerous viewers immediately linked the voice and clues to Gyles Brandreth, the well-known wordsmith and regular contributor to ITV's This Morning.
One fan wrote, "Yak - possibly Gyles Brandreth??? Literally random guess lol." Another stated simply, "Yak sounds like Gyles Brandreth," while a third commented on the humorous performance, asking, "Is it Gyles Brandreth?" An alternative theory proposed by some was that the celebrity inside the costume could be Benidorm actor Steve Pemberton.
First Unmasking Reveals Disc Jockey
The opening episode of the series also saw the first elimination. After a performance of Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club', the character Disc Jockey was unmasked as Alex Jones, presenter of The One Show.
The 48-year-old, married to Charlie Thomson, dedicated her performance to her three children. "Teddy, Kit and Annie, this was for you," she said. "I want them to know that overcoming fear is a good thing. I am not a singer but I gave it a go." She then performed the song again unmasked to a cheering studio audience.
The judges' guesses for Disc Jockey had included radio presenter Annie Mac, footballer Jill Scott, baking legend Dame Mary Berry, broadcaster Sara Cox, and singer Bonnie Tyler.
Other celebrities revealed earlier in the series include singer Anne-Marie, who was unmasked as Goldfish after performing with a group called No Trout. Following her reveal, she performed her hit song '2002' for the audience.
Contestants still in the competition after the first weekend include Gargoyle, Red Panda, Can of Worms, Moth, and Sloth. They will be joined by the new batch of stars, including Monkey Business, Teabag, Toastie, Yak, Arctic Fox, and Conkers, who are set to perform for the first time on Sunday night.
The Masked Singer continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
