The Masked Singer UK continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of mystery and musical performances, but behind the scenes, one contestant has reportedly caused quite a stir among the production crew. Sloth, known for delivering powerful performances on stage, has been described as so energetic that it nearly scared members of the ITV team.
Behind the Scenes Concerns
As the latest episode of The Masked Singer UK airs tonight on ITV, featuring returning contestants including Can of Worms, Conkers, Moth, Red Panda, Sloth, and Toastie, new details have emerged about the challenges faced by the production team. Metro recently spoke with Tim Simpson, the costume designer for The Masked Singer UK and creative director at Plunge Creations, who revealed fascinating insights into the show's behind-the-scenes dynamics.
Tim explained that while sloths in nature are famously slow-moving creatures, the contestant wearing the Sloth costume has displayed anything but lethargic behaviour. Dressed in an 80s workout-inspired outfit, this Sloth has shown boundless energy that initially worried the production team.
Costume Safety Fears
'Sloth apparently not just enjoyed the costume, but got to the point where it nearly scared the production team,' Tim recalled. 'They were so physical and so athletic and so keen to be doing yoga and aerobics that we worried for the safety of the costume.'
He elaborated on the delicate balance between performance energy and costume durability: 'The more the performers jump around, the better they look, but the harder it is on the costume.' This concern highlights the physical demands placed on contestants who must perform while wearing substantial, elaborate outfits.
Physical Demands of Participation
Tim Simpson emphasised that after six years on television, celebrities who sign up for The Masked Singer UK now understand the significant physical commitment required. 'These performers are really up for it, and they really enjoy it,' he said. 'They've seen it enough times to realise that, and probably the word has gone out in the grapevine that if you're going to get involved in The Masked Singer, then you're gonna have to really strap in and get fit.'
He added that by the time contestants arrive on set or receive their costumes, they're typically already prepared for the physical challenges ahead. This preparation is crucial given the show's demanding nature, where performers must maintain high energy levels while constrained by elaborate costumes.
Judges' Speculations
The identity of Sloth remains one of the season's most intriguing mysteries. Judges have proposed various possibilities, including fitness guru Joe Wicks, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner Sam Thompson, and radio host Chris Moyles. Clues about Sloth's identity have referenced a passion for fitness, hints at DJ experience, and suggestions of Manchester origins.
This speculation adds another layer to the ongoing mystery that has kept viewers engaged since the show's dramatic double elimination last week, which revealed Monkey Business as legendary singer Kate Nash and Arctic Fox as Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
Continuing the Mystery
As The Masked Singer UK returns tonight at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX, audiences will have another opportunity to watch Sloth's energetic performances while trying to decipher the contestant's true identity. The combination of high-energy performances and elaborate costume design continues to make the show a unique television experience, even as it presents challenges for the production team behind the scenes.
The ongoing mystery surrounding Sloth's identity, combined with the behind-the-scenes revelations about costume safety concerns, adds depth to the viewing experience. As contestants continue to compete on what has been described as television's most bonkers stage, the balance between spectacular performances and practical production considerations remains a fascinating aspect of the show's success.
