Full Breakdown
Double Elimination on The Masked Singer: Kate Nash and Anton Du Beke Unmasked
1/25/2026, 11:12:44 AM
Contestants Revealed in Dramatic Episode
In a recent episode of ITV's popular competition show *The Masked Singer*, two contestants were unmasked: Kate Nash, known for her hit song "Foundations," was revealed as Monkey Business, and Anton Du Beke, a judge on *Strictly Come Dancing*, was unveiled as Arctic Fox. The episode, which aired on January 24, featured a double elimination, marking the first of the series. Nash was voted off by the studio audience after receiving the fewest votes, while the judges opted to eliminate Du Beke.
Performances and Reactions
Following her unmasking, Nash performed "As Long As He Needs Me" from the musical *Oliver!*, expressing her enjoyment of the experience. She stated, “It was quite fun to disguise my voice,” emphasizing her use of musical theatre to maintain her anonymity. Du Beke, after his reveal, shared his joy in participating, stating, “I’ve had such fun. It’s been brilliant fun.” He also mentioned his excitement about how his children would react to his unmasking.
Viewer Backlash and Claims of Rigging
The double elimination sparked significant backlash from viewers, many of whom took to social media to express their belief that the show was "rigged." Critics argued that the best singers were being eliminated, with comments such as, “Absolutely rigged,” and “Why would you vote off Monkey Business and then go on to save Red Panda?” This sentiment was echoed by multiple fans who felt that the competition was unfairly favoring certain contestants over others.
Official Statements and Responses
The show's host, Joel Dommett, and the judging panel, which included Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and guest judge Perrie Edwards, attempted to navigate the audience's reactions. While no official response was provided regarding the claims of rigging, the judges continued to engage with the performances and the guessing game surrounding the remaining contestants.
What's Next for The Masked Singer
As the series progresses, viewers can anticipate further reveals, with remaining contestants including Conkers, Toastie, Moth, Can Of Worms, and Sloth. The next episode is scheduled to air on Saturday at 7 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, promising more performances and potential surprises.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Otherwise I’ll just open my mouth and everyone will just say that’s Kate Nash in a monkey suit.” — Kate Nash
- “It’s been brilliant fun and that’s what I’m going to take away really.” — Anton Du Beke
- “Absolutely rigged.” — Viewer comment on social media
This episode of *The Masked Singer* has not only entertained but also ignited discussions about the fairness of reality competition shows, highlighting the complexities of audience engagement and viewer expectations.
