Masked Singer UK Final Set for Jaw-Dropping Reveals, Says Backstage Insider
Harriet Rose, one of the few individuals granted backstage access at The Masked Singer UK, has witnessed the entire spectacle firsthand. As the host of The Masked Singer: Unmasked, she waits in the wings to interview celebrities immediately after they step off stage. With the 2026 final airing tonight on ITV, where Moth, Conkers, and Toastie will compete to become the seventh winner, following last year's champion Pufferfish (Samantha Barks), Harriet hints at one final shocking reveal that left her utterly stunned.
Starstruck Moments and Surprising Unmaskings
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Harriet described being completely "starstruck" by one particular unmasking this series. She stated, "I'm not telling you who I was shocked by, but I was jaw on the floor with one of the finalists. Genuinely, my jaw was on the floor and it has been with a few this series, but specifically with one. I was convinced it was someone and then my jaw hit the floor." This season has featured an eclectic lineup, including Strictly's Anton Du Beke as Arctic Fox and Harry Hill as Red Panda, but Harriet singled out Kate Nash, disguised as Business Monkey, as her biggest surprise. As a personal friend and longtime fan, she was amazed to realize Nash's identity late in the competition.
Behind the Scenes: A Military Operation of Secrecy
While viewers enjoy the on-stage spectacle, Harriet experiences the intense secrecy backstage, describing it as a "military operation" to keep identities hidden from everyone, including contestants. She explained, "I'm probably the most privy to seeing people backstage, and it is still as exciting as you'd imagine. You feel like you shouldn't be seeing them, which you shouldn't really, and because I don't know who anyone is, I'm living for the thrill of it." Despite the competition, Harriet emphasized the show's non-competitive, love-filled atmosphere, noting that celebrities participate for fun rather than to win, with many never expecting to grace a stage in such a whimsical way again.
Controversial Exits and New Podcast Ventures
Not all exits have been smooth, however. Harriet recalled Macy Gray's infamous elimination in week three as Toad In The Hole, where the singer stormed off stage and refused to speak to her afterward. "The producers did make me run after [her] for a bit, but no, she wasn't up [for] having a chat," Harriet said, suggesting Gray was genuinely upset by the loss. On a brighter note, Harriet has launched a new podcast, By The Way... With Harriet Rose, inspired by her tendency to overshare, including revealing her sexuality within minutes of meeting someone. The podcast features unfiltered conversations with guests like Jade Thirlwall and Jonathan Ross, focusing on personal confessions and untold stories, aiming to create a safe space for celebrities to share insights fans won't find elsewhere.
The Masked Singer UK final airs tonight at 7pm on ITV, promising more surprises and emotional moments. Harriet's podcast launches on Thursday, February 19, offering a deeper look into the lives of celebrities beyond the stage.
