The Mystery of Conkers: Who's Behind the Mask in The Masked Singer Final?
As The Masked Singer final airs tonight, all eyes are on Conkers, the adorable yet enigmatic character who has captivated audiences and the judging panel alike. With a spiky exterior that belies a heartwarming presence, Conkers has advanced to the final stage, leaving fans and experts scrambling to decipher the clues hidden in their performances and video tapes. From knights and ghosts to subtle references to pop culture, the hints are plentiful but puzzling.
Decoding the Clues: What We Know About Conkers
Conkers' journey began with a rendition of Myles Smith's Nice To Meet You, but it's the visual and verbal clues that have sparked the most speculation. In their first VT, the song Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran played as footage of a castle appeared, setting a knightly theme. References to Sir Lancelot and King Arthur have led some to suspect a connection to the BBC series Merlin. Additionally, Conkers mentioned being "up for any challenge" but also "hide in a shell," suggesting a shy celebrity behind the mask.
Further clues include mentions of ghosts, with Conkers stating, "ghosts don't scare me," which could point to an actor from a supernatural show. In a second VT, a picture of Abz from Five appeared, hinting at someone with good abs, while references to "secrets, scandals, and shock reveals" might indicate a journalist or media personality. Other hints involve "knees up" and "Sam's Tavern," possibly linking to a pub enthusiast or reality TV star.
Notable clues include an Italian cookbook with "Webster's" on it, allusions to "extra time" and "tournament," and phrases like "Places in this competition are strictly limited," which could reference Strictly Come Dancing. Conkers also described themselves as a "hard nut to crack," leading to guesses of a boxer, and made puns about being a "Sir," with gold, silver, and bronze stars suggesting an Olympian. Eagles in the VT have sparked theories about flying or ski jumping, adding to the mystery.
Top Contenders for Conkers' Identity
The panel and fans have proposed several celebrities based on the clues. Here are the leading theories:
- Kiell Smith-Bynoe: Maya Jama guessed this actor, known for BBC's Ghosts, aligning with the ghost references. His roles in comedies like Stath Lets Flats add to his profile.
- Mark Ronson: Mo Gilligan focused on verbal hints like "hit the mark," suggesting the DJ and producer. His behind-the-scenes work fits the "hiding in my shell" clue.
- Santiago Cabrera: A wildcard guess, this actor played Sir Lancelot in Merlin and appeared in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, connecting to knights and ghosts.
- Jamie Laing: Mo also pointed to this reality star, with food references tying to his Candy Kittens business and clues about Strictly Come Dancing.
- Adam Peaty: Freddie Flintoff suggested the swimmer, noting swimming trunks in the VT and "knees up" hints related to dancing on Strictly.
- Wayne Bridge: Maya proposed the footballer, linking castles to bridges, and his involvement in Soccer Aid.
- Roman Kemp: Jonathan Ross connected the Italian cookbook to Rome, with Kemp's Soccer Aid appearances and family history on the show.
- Josh Widdicombe: Mo guessed this comedian, citing links to royalty and competition shows.
- Tom Daley: Davina McCall thinks it's a sports personality, with knitting references and "making a splash" clues pointing to the diver.
Other guesses include Usain Bolt and Bradley Walsh, showing the wide range of possibilities. With previous reveals like Marcella Detroit as Gargoyle and John Lydon as Yak, the final promises more surprises.
What to Expect in the Final
The Masked Singer final airs tonight at 7pm on ITV1, where Conkers' identity will be unveiled. As fans tune in, the clues will finally come together, revealing whether it's a comedian, athlete, or actor behind the mask. Stay tuned for the big reveal and see if your guess matches the outcome!
