With its bonkers format and brilliant costumes, The Masked Singer UK quickly became our biggest TV obsession in 2020. So, with the launch of the second series, our magnifying glasses are back out as we try and decipher which celebrities are behind the masks.
Judges Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross have been joined by new panelist, Mo Gilligan, as they hear 12 celebrities belt out some of their favourite songs while trying to remain undetected. Each week, as we hear contestants perform, we've been given clues by the characters as to who they could be. Last season's winner, Queen Bee, turned out to be the incredible Nicola Roberts, who wowed the audience with her vocals and returned to help the judges with their guesses in the show finale.
So, what's been going down on The Masked Singer season 2? Let's take a look at all the hints and theories from every single episode...
Who is Badger? Ne-Yo
Week 1 clues: Badger immediately took to the stage with a rock star swagger that had viewers and judges convinced it's someone who has spent a long time in the spotlight, or as a performer.
"Stepping out of the set but will this badger stand out from the crowd?" Badger said, before suggesting they weren't someone who was instantly recognisable in the street.
Badger quite clearly had a London accent, and given the nature of the outfit, people are also convinced they're a motorbike enthusiast.
Week 2 clues: In the VT, Badger referenced early starts and said he was shy around girls when he was younger. "At school I wrote poems about girls that I liked, but I was so shy I would never show them," he added.
With a periodic table in the background, Badger revealed he previously kept his talent hidden because he was so shy. And, while fixing a motorbike, he added that he learnt that being himself was his greatest gift.
Badger's two lies and a truth: I'm good at dodging furniture / when working, I'm often found in green / strictly speaking, dancing is something I'm well known for.
Week 3 clues: Badger said they grew up in a large, creative family and was inspired by his mum to follow his passion. "It was mum who opened me up to my gift when I was very young. With so many of us under one roof, there was little room to spare,” he shared. “There wasn't even room for a mouse in the house."
Badger then nailed a performance of Kelly Clarkson’s hit 'Because of You', and Jonathan was convinced he recognised the voice to be Kelly Jones from Stereophonics.
Week 4 clues: Badger had won lots of medals, hinted he wore hats and also revealed he was into coding. The final clue was a huge bag of fan mail and a thank you letter from a ‘Barbara’.
Week 5 clues: Fans were convinced Badger was putting on a fake British accent when he delivered his clues. Standing in front of a Christmas tree with snow falling around him, Badger said he’s tried to look out for other people throughout his career. “Spreading cheer shouldn’t just be for Christmas, it should be 365 days a year,” Badger continued, which led to Davina thinking it could be someone charitable while Rita thought it pointed to someone who had a famous Christmas song in the past.
“I’m so humbled to have such a big platform and I try to use it to give back. It might be helping other artists get discovered - I just want to make it possible for other people’s dreams to come true,” he went on.
Week 6 clues: Opening his final VT, Badger said he knows what it’s like to be sat on a panel as a judge “so I don’t really envy you making this tough decision”.
A pair of silver shoes then appeared in the background, which made the judges think it could be someone who has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.
He finished by saying maybe he’s an actor or maybe he’s a musician from the UK or “maybe neither”, but the judges said they weren't fooled by the 'fake' British accent and it had to be someone from the US.
What the judges said in week 1: Dave Myers, The Stig, Jimmy Carr, Jay Kay from Jamiroquai
What the judges said in week 2: Alan Titchmarsh, Brian Cox, Ross Kemp. Christopher Biggins
What the judges said in week 3: Jeremy Clarkson, Kelly Jones, Jamiroquai, Brian Cox, Tom Hardy
What the judges said in week 4: Brian Cox, Rami Malek, Jamiroquai, Keith Lemon
What the judges said in week 5: Robin Thicke, Michael Buble, Louis Walsh, Matt Baker
What the judges said in week 6: Adam Levine, Anderson Paak, Jamiroquai, Pharrell Williams
- Who viewers think it is: Ne-Yo, Kevin Clifton, Will Mellor
Who is Robin? Aston Merrygold
Week 1 clues: Clues immediately pointed to the idea of Robin being a performer. In the first tape, we saw posters of the character on stage with a microphone.
"I'm fast, light on my feet and I'm ready to go the distance," Robin said, suggesting it could be someone who's particularly athletic.
Viewers were then prompted to believe it was someone who had previously been in TV soap EastEnders, as a sign for Albert Square appeared in the background.
However, the line "I may be a Robin, but I've been known to fly without wings," suggested there could be a Westlife connection, in reference to their song 'Flying Without Wings'.
Week 2 clues: Robin revealed, "Sport has always been a huge part of my life, as a chick I would always be on the go." As a failed IQ test flashed up, Robin went on, "If I wasn’t on the athletics track, I’d be out with the kids having a kick around. I guess it’s fair to say I’d always be a footballer."
Robin also said he'd "represented his country" in red colours and this would be another “feather in his cap”.
Robin’s two lies and a truth: my real name is out of this world / this robin’s habitat is more tropical than you think / I started performing by doing impressions.
Week 3 clues: “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve migrated all over the world. But some locations are just not for me," the masked singer said. "Robins know who we are and what we enjoy and that’s a real strength. I don’t want to waste any time not doing things I love. Focusing my energy on the things I’m good at, that’s what allows me to bring the flavour.”
Finishing the clue package, Robin was handed a plate of biscuits. Fans immediately thought it could be Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing as his middle name is Robin and he has ties to the confectionary business.
Week 4 clues: "It might surprise you, but I've not always been the bright and confident bird I am today,” Robin shared. Prompting speculation he could be part of Diversity, the singer added, "The most exciting Aviary is one with diversity.” Hinting again at coming from a talent competition, Robin said: “I know just how valuable a mentor can be."
In the final clue, Robin was seen waving to screaming fans through a door.
Week 5 clues: Robin talked about "being blue", starting his career early and also played golf and football in his VT.
Week 6 clues: The singer hinted at his talent competition background, opening his final VT saying: “Here we are at the final in another competition. I should be an old hand by now, but will I be wearing a winner’s crown by the end of the evening? The last time I was wearing a crown, 17 million people were watching.”
The judges were convinced it was a former X Factor winner and this was only fuelled by Robin appearing to reference Alexandra Burke, who won the show in 2008. He finished: “All I’m hoping is to do my best. I just hope I don’t make a burk of myself.”
Robin’s final clue: My name fits like a glove
What the judges said in week 1: Joe Swash, Dean Gaffney, Bruno Mars, Amir Khan
What the judges said in week 2: Marcus Rashford, Michael Owen, Harry Redknapp, Nicky Byrne, Olly Murs, Bruno Mars
What the judges said in week 3: Olly Murs, Nicky Byrne
What the judges said in week 4: Adam Lambert, Zayn Malik, Perry Kiely, Mark Owen
What the judges said in week 5: Olly Murs, Lee Ryan, Gareth Gates, James Blunt
What the judges said in week 6: Aston Merrygold, Olly Murs, Will Young
- Who viewers think it is: Aston Merrygold, Olly Murs, Jamie Laing
Who is Sausage? Joss Stone
Week 1 clues: Describing themselves as "tomboy and a bit of a silly sausage", the character was seen frolicking around Blackpool, suggesting it could be someone Northern.
Sausage then went to "Billie's Burgers", prompting viewers and the judges to think it could be someone with the name Billie or an association to that name. However, it's worth noting that one of the menu items was 'Red Herring' - which could be a clue that it was a total dud.
After listening to Sausage's performance, fans made their guesses based on the star's phenomenal voice.
Week 2 clues: The VT began with the contestant saying sausages can either be gourmet or no-nonsense, and she’s the latter. As she walked past a pub quiz sign holding a tool box, Sausage revealed she'd be happy with "a couple of beers and a bag of potato snacks”, which fans thought was a nod to Sheridan Smith’s appearance in the British sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
Following her incredible performance of Broadway hit ‘And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going’, Sausage shared her two lies and a truth: my hair colour is officially certified by law / I look like a pop star, I sound like a pop star and I am a pop star / I owe my career to a horse.
Sausage’s mention of her hair being "certified by law" led Jonathan to make the connection to Sheridan appearing in the West End production of Legally Blonde.
Week 3 clues: “Someone once said I look like a horse,” said Sausage as she kicked off her VT making her second horse reference. For this week’s performance, she sang 'All Around The World' By Lisa Stansfield, which the judges thought was a sign that she's well-travelled.
Week 4 clues: Sausage referenced Blackpool in her VT before hinting at having worldwide success. Sausage also said they love to travel before performing an incredible rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s 'I Will Survive'.
Week 5 clues: "Sausages aren't often the subject of fairy tales but maybe that's about to change because this little Sausage has some tales to tell," she said as we were shown the Blackpool Tower again. "I was once on the menu for a princess," she continued. "I'm a true romantic, and I guess one of my favourite tales was getting to see some very important people say for better or verse."
Week 6 clues: “Here we are, it’s the last stop on the tour,” Sausage began. “It’s time to confess that although I’m a sausage, I’m entirely plant based,” Sausage continued, and Rita thought it could be former X Factor star Leona Lewis as she's well-known for being vegan.
“I don’t think that I’m a villain although I have been in the past,” she finished.
Sausage's final clue: I’ve won an award that sounds like it’s hammy
What the judges said in week 1: Stacey Solomon, Maya Jama, Edwina Curry, Billie Piper
What the judges said in week 2: Sheridan Smith, AJ Odudu, Kirstie Allsopp, Jennifer Hudson
What the judges said in week 3: Sia, Celine Dion, Stacey Solomon
What the judges said in week 4: Pixie Lott, Stacey Solomon, Sheridan Smith, Stacey Dooley
What the judges said in week 5: Stacey Solomon, Sheridan Smith, Pixie Lott
What the judges said in week 6: Ellie Goulding, Pixie Lott, Leona Lewis, Sheridan Smith, Stacey Solomon, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, Demi Lovato, Beverley Knight
- Who viewers think it is: Sheridan Smith, Stacey Solomon, Joss Stone
Who is Harlequin? Gabrielle
Week 1 clues: Kicking off the clues, Harlequin ~speaking from a stately home~ began, "A harlequin is a bit of a clown. And although I’m no fool, you could definitely say that I’m a bit of a joke. Would I say taking part in The Masked Singer was a laugh? Absolutely not."
Harlequin then picked up a newspaper, which had ‘breaking news’ written on it, prompting judge Rita to suspect Harlequin "might be in the tabloids a lot".
Harlequin continued, "The thought of walking onto the stage is honestly quite terrifying, you might even have to push me on there."
The masked singer's final clue was that she once played a male lead in a musical.
Week 2 clues: She said she was “fascinated by stories and loved to read”, prompting Jonathan to suspect it could be a newsreader, while Mo said it could be a presenter or journalist behind the mask. She especially loved "tales of horror and gore”, Harlequin continued. She added she likes to tell stories of her own and “her stories were heard by many people” around the world and they told her their stories in return.
Two lies and a truth: My bodyguard received a lot of attention / I get up before the sun for work / I once turned down a prince
Week 3 clues: Harlequin said it’s not the “first time they’ve cleaned up” and said they love to have a clean home. They added that they’re a homebody, but do enjoy a festival. For this week's performance, Harlequin sang Tracy Chapman’s 'Fast Car'.
Week 4 clues: Harlequin talked about wearing a suit when she started out in her career before saying she stood “shoulder to shoulder with dignitaries and chatted to world leaders but they never had a patch on a prince I once met”. She also spoke about “all the places she had been”, prompting judges to think she was a singer who had toured a lot.
But the biggest clue came when Harlequin dropped a handkerchief on the floor and couldn't pick it up again. Viewers at home were convinced it was a nod to Gabrielle’s famous song 'Out of Reach'.
Week 5 clues: "I think it's important to make a good impression. Rumour has it, someone who I admire very much used to do impressions of me," she said before her fifth performance. Harlequin also revealed she only likes to "work three months a year".
What the judges said in week 1: Beverley Knight, Scarlett Moffatt, Tracy Chapman, Justin Timberlake
What the judges said in week 2: Des’ree, Macy Gray, Alexandra Burke, Emeli Sande, Fergie, Sheila Ferguson
What the judges said in week 3: Tracy Chapman, Des'ree, Catherine Tate, Grace Jones, Emeli Sande, Sue Pollard
What the judges said in week 4: Joss Stone, Cheryl, Des'ree, Emeli Sande
What the judges said in week 5: Emeli Sande, Gabrielle, Jedward
- Who viewers think it is: Gabrielle
Who is Dragon? Sue Perkins
Week 1 clues: Dragon wandered around a castle in their first tape, (which was then identified as one in Wales), but their first words appeared to suggest they had an American accent.
Dragon also referenced they mustn't "drag on", prompting viewers to believe it could be a drag queen behind the mask. The character also has a rainbow tummy, heightening the theory that it's a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
"The thing about dragons is they're all fire and strength on the outside but underneath they just want to be loved," Dragon said, hinting that they could be someone with a quieter personality.
However, Mo suggested that it could be someone from TV show Dragon's Den, after Dragon walked into a doll's house, with the wall falling down to reveal piles of money hidden inside
Week 2 clues: Dragon didn’t give too much away but revealed “it was a dare that got me started in my career” and said they also met their boyfriend on stage. Rita was convinced it was a comedian behind the mask.
Two lies and a truth: my name is my biggest clue / I once had an embarrassing incident with a famous shoe / I know my own IQ backwards.
Week 3 clues: Dragon spoke about taking “perilous journeys” as they held a toy steering wheel. A pink iPod also made an appearance which stumped the judges. Dragon also said they’re no “oathbreaker”, leading fans at home to think it could be someone who has appeared in Game of Thrones. For this performance, Dragon sang ‘All By Myself’.
Week 4 clues: Dragon talked about having a huge appetite and said they'd previously eaten pigs trotters. The masked singer also revealed they love to read books, which the judges thought could be a nod to Dragon being a famous chef. Other clues included a dragon tattoo on their shoulder, a whoopie cushion and a microphone.
Week 5 clues: "Much like my career, I love to spend my time putting smiles on people's face," Dragon said. "But I also get to connect with people all over the world.... You've got to find a way to break the ice, and my top tip for doing that is just embarrass yourself - trust me, it works every time."
What the judges said in week 1: Sandi Toksvig, Dion Dublin, Peter Jones, Jesse Tyler Ferguson
What the judges said in week 2: Amy Schumer, Rebel Wilson, Elijah Wood, Catherine Ryan, Miranda Hart, Sandi Toksvig
What the judges said in week 3: Miranda Hart, RuPaul, Julian Clary
What the judges said in week 4: Carol Vorderman, Whoopi Goldberg, Jenny Ryan, Donna Air, Melanie Sykes
What the judges said in week 5: Jennifer Saunders, Sandi Toksvig, Michelle Visage, Ricki Lake
- Who viewers think it is: Courtney Act, Sue Perkins
Who is Blob? Lenny Henry
Week 1 clues: Speaking from inside a school classroom, Blob described themselves as "big, bright and loud" before adding he wears glasses, "Oh and it’s not the first time I’ve been called four eyes."
Blob went on, "As a kid, I wanted to be James Bond or Batman but instead I became the Blob," which lead to Rita thinking he might be a kids’ TV presenter, while Davina said he could be an actor.
"And just like Batman I’m going to use a costume to conceal my true identity. Tonight I’ve got all four eyes on the prize and I’m hoping to go out there and make a good first impression," Blob added before singing a rendition of 'Uptown Funk'.
Blob’s final clue was that he had recorded a demo for Simon Cowell.
Week 2 clues: Blob kicked off their VT by explaining as a musician he’s had the “great fortune of duetting with some amazing artists, which has lead me to come face to face with some legendary and personal heroes of mine”.
Blob revealed they play to large audiences as well as intimate gigs and once played for a “top political journalist”. Standing in a playground, Blob said his career had seen him “perform with the best”, like when he worked with George Michaels’ producer. Blob has also written songs.
Two lies and a truth: I was named after a doctor / this blob is anything but squishy / I am related to my sidekick
Week 3 clues: Hinting at his comedic background, he said he “always stands up for what he’s believes in” and “laughter can do wonderful things”. Blob continued, “I also learn that sometimes making yourself a punchline can win over the toughest of crowds.”
Host Joel Dommett said every song in week 3 is a clue about the singer, and Blob covered Pitbull’s 'Hotel Room Service' which viewers thought was a sure-fire nod to it being Lenny Henry under the mask, as he is the face of Premier Inn hotels.
Week 4 clues: Blob said they love to cook and sing, and spoke about performing on “many stages” and taking on many roles. Blob also made a number of references to Shakespeare. The final clue was Blob handing over a giant £2.50 check to buy a coffee at a market stall, suggesting he could be a comedian.
What the judges said in week 1: Richard Osman, Romesh Ranganathan, Greg Davies, Andi Peters, Harry Hill
What the judges said in week 2: Greg Davies, Frank Skinner, Stephen Fry
What the judges said in week 3: Greg Davies, Joe Wicks, Ainsley Harriott, David Walliams
What the judges sad in week 4: Stephen Fry, Ainsley Harriott, Lenny Henry, Joe Wicks
Who viewers think it is: Lenny Henry
Who is Viking? Morten Harket
Week 1 clues: Standing on a misty mountain, Viking repeated the word "curious" three times as he walked past a wall that had ‘King’s rock’ etched on it.
"You are curious about who I am, I am curious too and that’s the thing about a Viking. We are a curious kind. We are explorers, we forge our own way, we discover answers."
"As in my career, throughout this competition I’ll be looking for a voice," Viking continued, prompting the judges to suspect it might be a judge on The Voice. "Tonight I’m battling out with Seahorse. Good luck Seahorse from me, Viking."
When Viking gave his final clue, revealing he "may be a Viking but I also wear another kind of armour", viewers at home thought it could be a reference to singer James Blunt’s time in the army.
Week 2 clues: Holding a US flag, Viking said he breaks the rules. He then smashed a real record in half, which Jonathan thought pointed to Jerome Flynn being behind the mask. “Tonight the battle calls for me once more,” the character concluded.
Two lies and a truth: I am the proud owner of a Blue Peter badge / my first hit dialled m for murder / my early career relied on brotherly love
Week 3 clues: Viking pointed at ‘Spandau Flats’ on a map before revealing, "My career has been one of billions, over a billion people have watched me do my thing.”
He went on, "As precious metals go, steel has proved useful in my career."
Week 4 clues: "People think Vikings are all about the conquering, about the pillaging, they're not always the heroes of the tale. But this Viking has its own tale,” the masked singer said in his VT. "I don't care much for trinkets, and I don't feed off accolades."
What the judges said in week 1: Mika, Taron Egerton, Alfie Allen
What the judges said in week 2: Jerome Flynn, Chris Evans, Martin Kemp
What the judges said in week 3: Matt or Luke Goss, Jerome Flynn, Pat Sharp, Ben Adams
What the judges said in week 4: Bear Grylls, Louis Theroux, Judge Rinder, Ricky Wilson
- Who viewers think it is: Morten Harket, Justin Lee Collins
Who is Bush Baby? John Thomson
Week 1 clues: Speaking in an Australian accent, Bush Baby revealed, "I'm a nocturnal creature, night time is when you might find me up and about. Bush babies are very cheeky and full of mischief, do you want to see a magic trick? I've got some tricks up my sleeve."
As he juggled potatoes, the judges thought he could be a magician, comedian or chef. Punching the air, Bush Baby added, "This isn't my first competition, I've been training."
Following his performance, the masked singer revealed: "A lot of my wardrobe has been seen on screen."
Week 2 clues: Bush Baby referenced boxing and cooking and said he’s a trickster, adding “tonight I’m using my whole box of tricks to make sure I skip through to the next round”.
Week 3 clues: The judges still didn’t have a clue about Bush Baby's identity as he revealed he’s known for bad behaviour before covering 'Please Release Me'. The Cold Feet star later said the song choice was a clue to him being in The Fast Show while the magic references were hints at him being an amateur magician.
Two lies and a truth: I’m associated with activities in the night sky / I know the recipe to success / they say never work with children or animals but I’ve done both
What the judges said in week 1: Ant McPartlin, Dynamo, Joe Swash, Gino DiCampo, Matt Lucas, Peter Andre
What the judges said in week 2: Matt Lucas, Jamie Oliver
Who viewers think it is: Mark Little, Matt Lucas, Brian Conley
Who is Swan? Martine McCutcheon
Week 1 clues: "Swans might be known for being beautiful birds, but when I think of swans I think of their loyalty, their strength and independence," Swan's VT began. The nod to independence led Jonathan Ross to believe the character was American, while others thought it could be a strong, female character behind the mask.
Swan then strutted her way through a ballroom, which could've been a hint that this star had made an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, or even been a professional dancer themselves.
She also mentioned that there was something "royal" about swans, before adding that her "career had been very honoured", suggesting she may have been awarded something such as an MBE.
Week 2 clues: Swan revealed she had served a Prime Minister and "had deals with more than one president of the USA". Swans two lies and a truth were: I used to be part of a girl band / I'm not as grand as my name suggests / I might be a swan, but I'm also something of a cat woman.
Jonathan, who was the only judge to correctly guess the Love Actually star, said he remembered Martine once telling him that she was in a girl band.
What the judges said in week 1: Michelle Visage, Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt, Darcey Bussell
What the judges said in week 2: Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Idina Menzel, Martine McCutcheon
- Who viewers thought it was: Kim Wilde, Shirley Ballas, Michelle Visage, Martine McCutcheon
Who is Grandfather Clock? Glenn Hoddle
Week 1 clues: "It's a funny old thing time, you don't tend to think about it until it's running out and that can be an alarming thought," Grandfather Clock began. As the camera zoomed in on a small statue of a lion, he continued, "But when you're chasing time you learn to make every single minute count, who knows when you might be in extra time."
With another picture of a lion in the background, Grandfather Clock said, "During my career I've had the good fortune of spending many of my hours looking after a great estate. It brings me huge pride to be the keeper of such a loved institution."
As a pair of football boots were shown, Davina guessed that it could be a famous goalkeeper. "I may be a grandfather clock, but don't let that fool you," he added, "I'm extremely young at heart and I do relish a bit of competition." A third lion then flashed up as well as trophies and a pair of boots with spurs on.
Grandfather Clock's final clue was: "I've never been an academic, but I have been called a genius."
Week 2 clues: The first clue was a postcode SN1, which fans thought was a link to Glenn Hoddle because he started his managerial career at Swindon. Another clue also pointed to Hoddle as there was also a postcard from Bulgaria - the country he made his footballing debut and scored a wonder goal against. Grandfather Clock explained they had “seen the Hand of God”.
What the judges said in week 1: David Seaman, Des Lynam, Bradley Walsh, Les Ferdinand, David James
What the judges said in week 2: Peter Shilton, Ian Wright, Gary Lineker, Lee Dickson, David Seaman
- Who viewers though it was: Glenn Hoddle, Tom Baker, David Seaman, Frank Skinner, Vinnie Jones
Who is Seahorse? Mel B
Week 1 clues: After confidently strutting onto the stage, the masked singer said "seahorses have a magic quality" and the judges immediately detected a Northern accent.
Other clues included a nod to presenting, and Seahorse also revealed they'd once stolen toilet paper from a "total legend's" house. Mo was the only judge to correctly guess it was the former Spice Girls singer.
What the judges said: Trisha Goddard, Jessica Ennis, Debbie McGee, Mel B
- Who viewers thought it was: Sheridan Smith, Debbie McGee, Kimberley Walsh, Mel B, Olivia Colman
Who is Alien? Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Week 1 clues: We didn't have to wait too long to find out the identity of Alien as they were knocked out in week one, and was subsequently revealed to be Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Her clues however, were subtle. They included a crime scene tape in reference to her hit song 'Murder on the Dancefloor' and referenced an "epic battle" which was hinting towards her Game of Thrones appearance in its final season.
There was also a wedding dress on a mannequin which was a nod to her 'Get Over You' music video, and several references to the fashion industry (Sophie was previously a model before her singing career took off).
But, the audience wasn't fooled. Sophie's instantly recognisable voice made it clear who was behind the mask as soon as the song began, despite trying to change her accent to fool people.
What the judges said: Lily Allen, Sophie Dahl, Hannah Cooper, Brenda Blethyn
- Who viewers thought it was: Paris Hilton, Billie Piper, Jodie Whittaker
The Masked Singer airs on Saturday on ITV at 7pm.
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