The Masked Singer character Phoenix has finally been unmasked – and it turned out that the celebrity hiding was Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson.
Unmasked shortly after All Saints star Natalie Appleton was revealed as Fawn, Phoenix came second place and left the judges kicking themselves for not uncovering his identity sooner.
Singing sensation Rita Ora felt especially annoyed that she couldn’t detect her The Voice UK co-star after working with him on the BBC One show.
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Fans had been speculating that the fiery bird was Ricky for weeks, but others were convinced it might be Doctor Who actor David Tennant or even Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
(Image: ITV)
But after a tense finale, in which Phoenix battled it out against Rhino and Fawn, they were finally unmasked – with fans overjoyed to see Ricky hiding behind the bird’s disguise.
Taking to Twitter as Ricky got unmasked, one fan penned: “So happy that I got Ricky Wilson correct: you could defo tell it was him by the voice and his clue about being a judge on the voice.”
While another added: “#Phoenix was the most entertaining throughout. Well done Ricky. You could definitely get a job impersonating David Tennant wearing a phoenix outfit.”
In his exit interview, Ricky said: “The nerves were some of the most intense I’ve had in years. I just really didn’t want to let Phoenix down.”
Throughout the competition, Phoenix performed a range of songs, starting with Get Lucky by Daft Punk, featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.
(Image: ITV)
They then performed Four Tops song Loco in Acapulco, before their next appearance in which they sang I’m Still Standing by Elton John.
In the next round, Phoenix sang It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones, and then performed I Love You Baby by Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly by Mika in last week’s semi-final.
There have been a number of clues littered around Phoenix’s intro videos, with talk of being “reincarnated”, “mysteries” and being “rather hot”.
At one point, Davina McCall wondered if the character could be actor Nicholas Hoult, who first found fame as a child and then went on to crack Hollywood.
Judge Mo Gilligan suggested YouTuber Joe Sugg, as he recalled that the influencer’s family had survived the Great Fire of London.
Other names the judges have thrown into the ring include Jason Statham, Jonathan Ross, Sid Owen and even Peter Jones.
Phoenix has hinted that they appeared on a reality show, while also seeming to confess that they “fear deep water”.
Fans of the mystery show will have to wait an entire year for more, as it has been confirmed that The Masked Dancer will not air in 2023.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
