ITV's popular entertainment show The Masked Singer has sparked a sensational fan theory that could represent one of the programme's most audacious twists to date. Viewers are now firmly convinced that the celebrity concealed within the Conkers costume is none other than television favourite and show judge Ben Shephard.
A Major Format Twist On The Hit ITV Series
The hit ITV series, now in its seventh successful run, features mystery celebrities performing pop songs while hidden inside elaborate, fantastical costumes. A panel of judges, including regulars Mo Gilligan, Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, and Davina McCall, alongside a weekly guest panellist, attempts to guess their identities. The latest episode featured Little Mix star Perrie Edwards on the panel, following previous guests like Anne-Marie, Matt Lucas, and Freddie Flintoff.
Conkers' Performance And The Judges' Guesses
On Saturday night, the character Conkers took to the stage to perform a rendition of The Monkees' classic track I'm A Believer, a song also famously featured on the Shrek soundtrack. Following the performance and a series of cryptic clues, the panel offered a variety of guesses. Maya Jama suggested footballer Wayne Bridge, Perrie Edwards thought it could be Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd, and Davina McCall speculated it might be Olympic swimmer Tom Daley.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Ross guessed presenter Roman Kemp, and Mo Gilligan wondered if it could be former The Only Way Is Essex star Jamie Laing. However, the audience watching at home developed a radically different and compelling theory.
Viewers Spot A Familiar Voice And A Clever Ruse
Numerous fans took to social media to declare their belief that Conkers is actually ITV presenter Ben Shephard. Shephard is best known for fronting the weekday magazine programme This Morning alongside Cat Deeley and for hosting the popular afternoon game show Tipping Point.
This theory creates a significant twist because Ben Shephard himself appeared as a guest judge in episode four of the current series, the same episode in which singer Marcella Detroit was unmasked as Gargoyle. Fans believe this was a deliberate manoeuvre by the show's producers to throw viewers off the scent.
Social Media Buzz And Fan Reactions
The fan speculation has generated considerable online buzz. One viewer wrote emphatically, "Conkers definitely sounds like Ben Shephard." Another commented, "I know Ben Shephard was on the panel last week but I’m still convinced Conkers is him!" A third fan suggested a clever deception, stating, "I’m convinced Ben being on the panel last week was to throw us off, Conkers is literally Ben Shephard!" A fourth simply agreed, "I can see what people are saying with Ben Shephard!"
Recent Unmaskings And Contestant Revelations
The speculation around Conkers follows the recent unmasking of Marcella Detroit, the Shakespears Sister star, who was revealed as Gargoyle. She described her time on the show as "an incredible experience" and explained her participation was partly motivated by a desire to return to the UK with her British husband.
Prior to that, the character Yak was revealed to be former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten. Lydon expressed his enjoyment of the experience and noted that the appearance fee would assist greatly in funding his new album. Other early exits from the competition included The One Show presenter Alex Jones and rapper Professor Green.
The Masked Singer continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, music, and elaborate spectacle. The potential revelation that a judge is secretly competing would mark a unprecedented and thrilling development for the long-running ITV format. The show airs on Saturdays on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
