THE Masked Singer UK 2024 was the fifth season of the much-loved celebrity guessing game.
Throughout the year a diverse lineup of stars sang their hearts out in elaborate costumes. Here we take a look at who they were.
The show was once again hosted by Joel Dommett, with the regular judging panel of Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, and Rita Ora.
Throughout the season, they were joined by special guest judges including Rob Brydon, Lenny Henry, Charlie Simpson, Olly Murs, Jennifer Saunders, Ellie Goulding and Lorraine Kelly.
The fifth season of The Masked Singer UK aired from December 30, 2023, to February 17, 2024, onITV.
Danny Jones as Piranha
McFly singer and guitarist Danny Jones was crowned the winner of season five as Piranha.
Since he first appeared on the show in week two, the clues given about the feisty fish’s secret identity included:
- “The motion (of being underwater) makes me a little sick”
- A map highlighting Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
- Brazilian Portuguese English dictionary, a sketchbook, a guidebook to fish in the Amazon.
- They were ‘terrified’ of the panel hearing them sing.
- “Piranhas are hungry, piranhas do bite, but I’d rather munch popcorn on this special night.”
- “It’s pretty scary being underwater, other piranha’s snapping at you.”
- They had a connection to the Royal Albert Hall and also the Brit Awards.
- “It must be a world record. The others ha-ha at this piranha. I’ve got to get myself into gear and show I’m a different…kettle of…fish. Whoa! What was that?”
- A fortune teller with the words “puzzling” and mysterious”.
- A stop and go sign and a magpie.
The judges made several unsuccessful guesses including Jamie Cullum, Jordan Knight, Sting, Steven Seagal and Yvette Fielding.
But most of The Masked Singer viewers guessed correctly, believing Piranha was in fact Danny.
They say he was “rumbled” thanks to clues about his wife being a former Miss England winner (the map without England on it), McFly’s album Motion in the Ocean, and him singing a Michael Bolton song in reference to Danny being from Bolton.
Writing on social media, one fan said: “Piranha = Danny Jones from Mcfly (sounds like him and also does that Mcfly jump at the end!)”
Another tweeted on X: “Danny’s voice is easy to point out and I can hear his Bolton accent when piranha speaks.”
Someone else wrote: “If Danny Jones isn’t Piranha, I’ll chuck all my McFly CDs away… you can’t deny that voice!”
And a fourth added: “I would know that voice anywhere!!”
Danny’s victory adds him to the list of previous winners, which includes Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, singer/songwriter Joss Stone, musician Charlie Simpson and Australian pop megastar Natalie Imbruglia.
Alex Brooker as Bigfoot
TV presenter and Last Leg host Alex Brooker was Bigfoot on the show, finishing as The Masked Singer runner-up in 2024.
Since their first appearance on the show in week one, the clues given about the Sasquatch’s identity included:
- Part of Big Foot’s costume is a bandage on his left leg.
- The furry character left a hometown ‘clue’ that hinted at the city of Southampton.
- He mentioned working with a rhino in a sporting capacity.
- Bigfoot has referenced Hogwarts, cowboy boots, Lego cups, and Amazon packages.
- In another clip, Bigfoot was surrounded by nature such as hills, a stream and fields and mentions “Friends”.
- Bigfoot also said: “Now I’m ready to take it to the Maximus. It doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect if everybody is having fun.”
- Another clue: “I hope I didn’t scare you and I hope I didn’t put my big foot in it,”
- Spurs was also a clue.
- “Act your age not your shoe size, unless your feet are as big as mine! Here’s hoping I can knock your sock off tonight.”
Judges’ guesses included Rupert Grint, Vinnie Jones, David Seaman and Tom Jones.
Fans of the show were once again on point with their predictions.
One fan wrote: “Even the laugh at the end! Totally Alex Brooker!”
Another said: “Alex Brooker for sure, you can tell from body language and he moves his arms the same (like waving etc).”
Whilst a third declared: “Shut your eyes and listen back its 100% @alex_brooker.”
Lemar as Cricket
Singer Lemar took third place in the competition as Cricket.
Clues given about his secret identity included:
- Cricket was observed standing on a cricket pitch, surrounded by numbers, including ‘total 60’.
- A bottle of liquid with “2002” written on it.
- “I like the fun content of The Masked Singer, I could be creative!”
- “Hello there. Cricket’s the name. Absolutely marvellous. And what a jolly good day for Cricket it is, too.”
- “I’m sure that you can spot that I’m a top cricketer, the best in the village.”
- “Crikey I don’t want to sound all pompous, but my scores aren’t just all about cricket. On the contrary, after some ins and outs…I became a rather big hitter.”
- “Whoops! I was in a league of my own. It was my calling. I went from playing the village green to playing arenas and winning awards.”
- Cricket ball smashing the screens, a microphone and a note that read “To Cricket Love from MB xx”.
- A sign that read: Next match: Haringey vs Herne Hill.
- Two more clues were “fire breathing’ and ‘big top with the big mouse”.
Some of the judges were off the mark again, between them wrongly guessing Blue singer Simon Webbe, Marvin Humes, Seal and Jay Blades.
But Mo, Olly Murs (who was judging in Rita‘s absence), and Jonathan quite rightly identified Cricket as singer and Fame Academy star Lemar.
Fans of The Masked Singer on the whole got this one wrong, with the majority guessing Cricket was former child star and TV presenter Reggie Yates.
One wrote: “I think it’s Reggie Yates they mentioned a mouse… he voiced Rastamouse.”
Another guessed: “Reggie Yates.”
While others believed it was boxer Anthony Joshua.
Tiffany as Eiffel Tower
American singer Tiffany Darwish was revealed as Eiffel Tower in the semi-finals.
Clues given included:
- Eiffel said their diary was “full to the brim”.
- They were then seen reading a newspaper where the front page said: “TJ & The S inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
- “Don’t tell on me but I’m bunking off school again”.
- “I overslept this morning and had to race to school.”
- A teddy bear with a Mart Wallyberg T-shirt on and an approval letter for £4 million.
- A sick note that read: “Wasn’t myself on Freaky Friday. Gone home to restless.”
- “Oh, I love sightseeing. I’m not just here for the sights of the West End. Non. London is so fashionable, with superb shopping.”
- “Honestly, cross my iron girders. If it wasn’t for shopping, I wouldn’t be in the limelight. And tonight, let’s just say I’m glad this tower is made of metal because this is one tough competition.”
- “I might be made of steel, but I’m still human.’’
- “There’s been thrillers, oui, but also disasters. But working with Winona, Ellen and Jude, and some kids that were new to the scene. Wow-ee!”
Judges guesses included Geri Horner,Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sheridan Smith and Hannah Waddingham.
While fans were convinced Eiffel was Kym Mazelle behind the costume, especially after she belted out an incredible rendition of Rihanna’s Stay.
One person wrote: “Eiffel Tower is Kym Mazelle’, while a third echoed: ‘I’m pretty sure that is Kym Mazelle”.
Another penned: “Watching on +1 so may have dippy egg on my face but Eiffel Tower is @KymMazelle surely…”
Keala Settle as Air Fryer
Actress and singer Keala Settle, known for her role as Lettie Lutz aka the Bearded Lady in The Greatest Showman, was revealed as Air Fryer in the semi-finals.
Some of the clues given were:
- “Being on The Masked Singer is petrifying and freeing all at the same time.”
- “Dressed to impress, but these sparkles cost extra.”
- “Tonight’s performance is gonna sizzle.”
- During one video there was an Oscar covered in cobwebs.
- A market stall was also spotted in the background of one video.
- Air Fryer’s week five item clues included a makeup kit, a Nun and a penguin snow globe.
Judges guesses included RuPaul, Sophie Dahl, Jacqueline Jossa, Scarlett Moffatt, Jessie J, Gemma Collins, Ella Henderson, Leona Lewis and Ashley Roberts.
Viewers also believed it was TOWIE star Gemma.
One fan wrote: “Actually think Jonathan Ross is on the money with Gemma Collins or someone from Towie.”
Another echoed: “I’m liking the Gemma Collins suggestion! Help from a girl from Chigwell – she was on I’m a celeb with Vicki Michelle! #maskedsinger.”
Melody Thornton as Maypole
The former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton was unmasked as Maypole in week six of the competition.
Members of the judging panel speculated about other members of the Pussycat Dolls, but failed to mention Melody.
Other guesses thrown in the mix were Zara Larsson and Janelle Monáe.
For a while, many viewers, as well as judge Mo Gilligan, thought Rita Ora was the star behind the mask.
In an episode where Rita was absent and Maypole performed, Mo said: “Why is she not here, because she’s there?”
Fans also agreed, with one posting: “Absolutely convinced Maypole is Rita Ora.”
Nicky Campbell as Dippy Egg
Radio and TV presenter Nicky Campbell was revealed as Dippy Egg in week six.
Judges’ guesses were all over the place, such as Matt Lucas, Jimmy Doherty, Gregg Wallace, Ed Balls, Paul Whitehouse and even Boris Johnson.
Fans were on the mark again, however.
One wrote: “Dippy Egg – Nicky Campbell.”
Another added: “Bigfoot – Alex Brooker Cricket – Lemarr Maypole -Rita Ora Dippy Egg – Nicky Campbell.”
A third penned: “MaskedSingerUK – I’m behind on this, but I think Dippy Egg is Nicky Campbell.”
Lorraine Kelly as Owl
TV host Lorraine Kelly was unmasked as Owl during week five of The Masked Singer.
Host Joel Dommett branded it as one of the best reveals in the show’s history.
Lorraine then explained some of the clues – including the time she presented a show in a bikini.
She said: “I mean I did flash but not as much as you’re [Mo Gilligan] going to flash next week,” referring to Mo’s bet that he would wear his pants if it wasn’t Alex Scott behind the owl mask.
Lorraine told Joel: “I’ve loved being Owl, this show is joyful.
“I’ve never actually sang in front of an audience, so it was amazing to do that.”
Julia Sawalha as Bubble Tea
Actress Julia Sawalha was unmasked as Bubble Tea in week four.
Viewers immediately recognised her from Absolutely Fabulous, where she played Jennifer Saunders‘ on-screen daughter Saffy.
After her unmasking, Julia — who is the sister of Loose Women pannelist Nadia Sawalha— told her TV mum: “I thought you’d get me straight away!”
Shirley Ballas as Rat
Dancer and Strictly judge Shirley Ballas was unmasked as Rat in week three.
Viewers thought it was Bake Off star Mel Giedroyc.
One posted: “I got Mel Giedroyc from Rat before she even spoke is that bad?”
A second wrote: “Rat is Mel Giedroyc I don’t know the rest. Carry on.”
While a third said: “The Rat sounded like Mel Giedroyc when she sang.”
The judges were equally baffled, with Shirley delivering a huge shock when she whipped off her mask.
She told the panel as they gasped: “I was very flattered actually because I just don’t sing at all and some of the people that you were saying, was like Wow! It was one of the best times of my life. It was way out of my comfort zone and I totally loved it.
“I would say it’s one of the best times in my life,” Shirley added.
“I enjoyed every minute of it, it was way out of my comfort zone, I absolutely loved it.”
Alexander Armstrong as Chicken Caesar
Pointless host and comedian Alexander Armstrong was revealed as Chicken Ceasar in week two.
Judge Jonathan admitted that he was left kicking himself after the panel failed to identify the star.
Fans were equally shocked, with one writing: “Definitely would not have guessed that was Alexander Armstrong AT ALL.”
Dionne Warwick as Weather
Legendary five-time Grammy Award-winning recording Dionne Warwick artist was Weather on the show.
She was the very first star to be unmasked in week one.
The judges almost all guessed it was superstar Dionne, but still seemed shocked to see her behind the mask.
Those watching at home were baffled about how she got sent home so quickly – and suggested she had just signed up to do one episode.
Speculating about her early exit, one person took to social media to write: “If Dionne Warwick is voted of #MaskedSingerUK 1st then there must be a 1 week contract available for those who want to take part but not for too long. Unless they just don’t want to pretend Weather is not her for another week?”
The Masked Singer UK Christmas special 2024
The Masked Singer UK Christmas special 2024 featured four celebrities competing in festive-themed costumes.
The celebrities unmasked were:
- Holly Johnson as Nutcracker: The Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer was crowned the winner of the special.
- Davina McCall as Star: The regular judge of the show made a surprise appearance as a contestant.
- Motsi Mabuse as Turkey Crown: The Strictly Come Dancing judge was unmasked as Turkey Crown.
- Josie Gibson as Christmas Cracker: The This Morning presenter was revealed as the fourth and final contestant on the special.
The special aired on Boxing Day — December 26, 2024 — at 7.30pm on ITV1.
The judging panel for this episode consisted of Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan, with Joel Dommett hosting as usual.
This Christmas special aired ahead of the full series return of The Masked Singer UK, which is set to begin on Saturday, January 4, 2025.