Masked Singer UK Semi-Final Eliminates Two Celebrities in Dramatic Double Reveal
The Masked Singer UK delivered one of its most shocking episodes yet during a chaotic semi-final, with two celebrities unmasked in a dramatic elimination double whammy. Following intense performances, the identities of Sloth and Can of Worms were finally revealed, leaving only three contestants to battle it out in next week's grand final.
Ben Fogle Emerges as Sloth in Surprise Unmasking
First to take off their elaborate costume was Sloth, who turned out to be adventurer, writer and television presenter Ben Fogle. The 52-year-old's reveal left the judging panel stunned, with Mo Gilligan declaring "We were never getting that" and host Joel Dommett confirming the panel's guesses were "not even close."
The panel had speculated wildly, suggesting names including Jack Whitehall, Martin Lewis, Spencer Matthews and Shane Richie, all of whom proved to be completely incorrect. Fogle's clues had been carefully crafted throughout the competition:
- An SW1A postcode referenced his birth in central London
- Images of fish nodded to his wilderness fishing experiences
- A navy blue "Reserved" sign hinted at his time as a reserve in the Royal Navy
- An ice lolly with a bite mark represented the frostbite he suffered during his 2008 race to the South Pole
- The phrase "Explosive moves might leave you breathless" alluded to his oxygen tank exploding on Mount Everest
Speaking after his reveal, Fogle explained his motivation for joining the show, stating he wanted to challenge stereotypes about what people "can and can't do" and prove we shouldn't have to "stay in our lanes." He proudly declared: "You reach a point in life where you can't take yourself too seriously," adding that he performed for "everyone who has an inner Sloth waiting to leap out."
Marvin Humes Revealed as Can of Worms
Shortly after Fogle's unmasking, Can of Worms was eliminated after narrowly missing out on a top three spot, revealing JLS star Marvin Humes beneath the intricate costume. The 40-year-old radio presenter and singer had managed to keep his participation largely secret, with only his eldest daughter aware of his Masked Singer stint.
The judging panel had guessed Rami Malek, Craig David and even fellow JLS member JB Gill, thanks to numerous farming hints throughout the competition. Humes' clues included:
- References to "green fingers" representing his assigned colour in the pop band JLS
- "You only want to be the one shining like diamonds" alluding to JLS performing at the Diamond Jubilee
- "Dipping fingers low in the soil" nodding to his DJing work alongside Diplo
In a post-unmasking interview, Humes admitted feeling "really strange" singing solo after years of performing with his JLS bandmates. "I'm used to being with three other guys on stage, and that's quite a comfort. A bit of security," he confessed. "Although I'm completely masked, it's still been quite strange being out on my own singing. Which I've enjoyed, and even when the mask came off, I fully enjoyed it."
The X Factor 2008 runner-up added: "So for me, it was nice doing something by myself where singing was concerned. When the band [JLS] finished, I didn't really do any solo music that way, so yeah, it's been really cool."
Road to the Grand Final
The semi-final episode saw Moth, Can of Worms, Conkers, Toastie and Sloth all perform for the regular judging panel of Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and Mo Gilligan, who were joined by special guest Katherine Ryan. Despite strong performances from all contestants, only three could progress to next week's decisive final.
This season of The Masked Singer UK has been particularly eventful, featuring numerous shocking reveals throughout its run. The competition began with Anne-Marie unmasked as Goldfish and Matt Lucas as Emperor Penguin, both having previously fronted the show's house bands before joining the judging panel.
Subsequent eliminations included:
- Alex Jones as Disc Jockey in the first elimination
- Professor Green as Teabag in week two
- Sex Pistols icon John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) as Yak in episode three
- American singer-songwriter Marcella Detroit as Gargoyle
- Kate Nash as Monkey Business and Anton Du Beke as Arctic Fox in a double departure
- Comedian Harry Hill as the adorable Red Panda last weekend
Next Saturday night will see the remaining three finalists - Moth, Conkers and Toastie - perform for the last time, throwing out all their remaining clues in a bid to take the title from 2025 champion Samantha Barks (Pufferfish) and be crowned series winner.
The Masked Singer UK grand final airs next Saturday on ITV1 and ITVX, promising an evening of spectacular performances, final clues and the ultimate reveal of which celebrity will triumph in one of television's most secretive competitions.
