Unmasked singers

ITV’S MOST talked-about entertainment hit for more than a decade, The Masked Singer, ended in triumph last night for pop star Nicola Roberts who was revealed to be Queen Bee.

Octopus, Hedgehog and Queen Bee were all in the running to be the champion in the final, with runner-up Hedgehog unmasked to be comedian Jason Manford. Octopus came third with Welsh classical singer Katherine Jenkins revealed.

Not since the first series of Simon Cowell’s Britain’s Got Talent on ITV1 have audiences flocked to a finale in what was previously seen as an ailing Saturday night schedule. Millions of viewers tuned in for the grand final of a show that has been a critical and popular hit, captivating TV fans across the age span.

“It’s brought audiences back to Saturday night,” said a TV insider. “Masked Singer is the only show some people watch when it goes out in real time rather than on catch-up.”

The family show, hosted by Joel Dommett, has stumped audiences and judges alike who have struggled to guess the singers’ identity before the mask has been lifted.

Famous faces who have previously had their identities revealed on the show include former home secretary Alan Johnson, actress Denise Van Outen and former England footballer Teddy Sheringham. The show, based on a South Korean format, has been watched by millions since coming to the UK. Last week 5.5 million viewers tuned in to the programme.

Another ITV triumph was keeping the winner a secret on a recorded show. Not even the contestants could talk to each other to avoid speculation.

The 12 singers’ identities were known only to six members of the crew and some of the celebrities hadn’t even told their friends and family.