Comedian Matt Lucas delivered one of the biggest surprises of the series on ITV's The Masked Singer, leaving both the judging panel and his own family in a state of shock. The Little Britain star was revealed to be the performer inside the elaborate Emperor Penguin costume during Sunday night's episode, a secret he had managed to keep from even his closest relatives.
A Family Revelation Captured on Camera
Following his unmasking, Lucas took to Instagram to share the priceless moment his parents discovered his secret. In a video clip, he is seen sitting on a sofa with his mother, Diana, and his stepfather, all watching the show. The caption revealed they were "blissfully unaware" of his involvement.
The footage then captures the exact second the Emperor Penguin's mask was removed. Both parents leap from the sofa in astonishment, with Diana exclaiming, "I don't believe it! You're joking!" The genuine surprise showcased just how well the comedian had concealed his participation in the popular ITV guessing game.
Fans Spot Striking Family Resemblance
While the reveal itself was a major talking point, viewers were quickly drawn to the uncanny likeness between Matt and his mother. Social media erupted with comments about their similar appearance shortly after the video was posted online.
One fan remarked on the platform X, formerly Twitter, "He looks so much like his Mum that I thought she was a character from Little Britain." Another simply stated, "they are the double of each other!" A third observer noted, "His mum looks so like him and characters he plays, cute!!" This familial resemblance became an unexpected and heartwarming subplot to the evening's big reveal.
From Pinball Wizard to Penguin Costume
During the show, Lucas, as the Emperor Penguin, led a band named the Antarctic Funkeys. They performed a spirited rendition of The Who's classic 'Pinball Wizard' for judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, and Mo Gilligan. The panel was thoroughly divided on the celebrity's true identity before the unmasking.
After the traditional audience chant of "Take it off!", Lucas was revealed. He immediately commented on the experience, stating, "It was very, very hot in there indeed!" He also explained his costume choice, revealing he is a fan of the chocolate biscuit sharing the Emperor Penguin name. For his first performance out of costume, he reprised The Who song for the studio audience.
Fans expressed their astonishment online, with one writing, "Matt Lucas...did not see that one! Well done sir...what a voice!" Another admitted, "I’m actually gobsmacked that Matt Lucas was Penguin! Haha. Well done!"
The episode also featured the unmasking of singer Anne-Marie as Goldfish. Following her reveal on Saturday night, she performed her hit song '2002' for the audience, stating she had a new appreciation for hearing her own voice echoed back from inside the costume.
