The semi-finals of The Masked Singer were nothing short of electrifying, as the competition heated up with five talented contestants battling for a spot in the grand finale. Bush and Bear, two of the show’s most quirky and enigmatic characters, narrowly missed their chance to advance, as their identities were revealed during the episode. Despite their formidable performances, they fell short of the votes needed to secure a place in the final, leaving Pufferfish, Dressed Crab, and Wolf to vie for the top prize. The episode was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the judges and audience alike left in awe as the masks were lifted, unveiling two surprise celebrities who had been dazzling the stage with their voices and charm.
Among the biggest shocks of the night was the unmasking of Bush, who turned out to be none other than EastEnders icon Natalie Cassidy. A household name in British soap operas, Natalie had recently stepped away from her long-standing role as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, and clearly, she was ready for a new challenge. Speaking about her experience on the show, Natalie confessed, "It’s been one of the best jobs I’ve ever done. Absolutely amazing!" She also shared a lighthearted moment about her teenage daughter’s potential reaction, saying, "She’s either going to say, ‘Mum, I’m really proud of you,’ or ‘This is the most embarrassing thing ever!’" Natalie’s humility and joy were evident as she reflected on her journey, admitting that the show had pushed her out of her comfort zone. "It was ‘ard!” she laughed, adding, "I’m not a singer, so it was very nerve-wracking for me. But there was no pressure, and I just kept going!" Her performances of ABBA’s Thank You for the Music and Lisa Loeb’s Stay had wowed the audience, but surprisingly, none of the judges had guessed her identity, despite her distinctive voice. "They were very close at times," she revealed, "But I’m thrilled they didn’t figure it out!"
The other big reveal of the night was Bear, who was unmasked as rapper Example, whose real name is Elliot Gleave. Known for his chart-topping music career, Example had been hiding in plain sight, dazzling the judges and audience with his versatility as a performer. He explained how the show allowed him to tap into a different side of his artistry, saying, "I needed to do something different every week because I sound like me when I sing my records and I rap like me." While he is renowned for his dance music, Example’s discography spans multiple genres, from grunge to drum and bass. He shared how much he enjoyed the theatrics of the show, calling it a "nice opportunity to do all that." Despite his confidence in his ability to entertain, he remained humble about his singing skills. "I didn’t know how far I was going to get because I’ve watched the show before, and sometimes the best singers go out early," he admitted. "I see myself as a really good entertainer, but there are people on this show with amazing voices." Still, he was thrilled to have made it to the semi-finals, exclaiming, "I’m buzzing! I get to fly home and see my kids."
Natalie and Example’s unmasking came on the heels of another dramatic episode the previous week, where two more celebrities were revealed. Kingfisher was unveiled as the renowned artist Sir Grayson Perry, while Snail turned out to be Andrea Corr, the lead singer of the Celtic pop-rock group The Corrs. Both revelations left the judges and audience stunned, as neither had been correctly identified beforehand. Andrea, known for her ethereal voice and hit songs like Breathless, shared how much she had enjoyed her time on the show. "I had such a good time, everyone’s been lovely, it’s been really joyous," she said, adding that she had taken part in the competition for her children. She also confessed a deep affection for her glittery pink Snail costume, which she kept secret from everyone until the big reveal. Sir Grayson Perry, on the other hand, reflected on the experience with his signature wit, describing it as a "lovely time embracing the spirit of the show." The judges had been way off with their guesses for Kingfisher, suggesting names like comedian Harry Hill or Joe Lycett, which only added to the humor of the moment.
The semi-finals of The Masked Singer also highlighted the unique dynamic of the competition, which blends singing talent with clever costumes and guesswork. Natalie Cassidy remarked on this, saying, "It’s ridiculous. It’s so stupid, but it’s about the character. It’s not a singing competition; it’s a guessing game." She explained how the focus shifts only in the later stages, adding, "The singing becomes important at the end, but before that, it’s all about the mystery." This format, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, is part of what makes the show so addictive. Even though Bush and Bear didn’t make it to the final, their performances left a lasting impression on the audience and judges alike.
As the competition nears its conclusion, fans are eagerly anticipating the grand finale, where Pufferfish, Dressed Crab, and Wolf will battle it out for the top spot. The semi-finals reminded everyone of the magic of The Masked Singer, where celebrities can reinvent themselves, challenge their abilities, and connect with audiences in a wholly unique way. Both Natalie Cassidy and Example embodied the spirit of the show, proving that it’s not just about the singing but about the journey of self-discovery and entertainment. Their unmasking added another layer of excitement to the series, leaving viewers with a sense of awe and anticipation for what’s to come next.
