ITV The Masked Singer fans left asking ‘Who?’ as Bear unmasked as UK rap artist in tense semi-final

WATCH HERE: Macy Gray storms off on The Masked Singer

ITV
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 08/02/2025

- 21:44

Two more celebrities were unmasked and left the ITV singing competition tonight

ITV The Masked Singer fans were left asking who Example – Elliot Gleave – was after he was unmasked as Bear just one week away from the final.

When they first took to the stage and during the VT, the then-unknown celebrity claimed they had “set the stage” with the audience being ready and “hungry for the competition”.


“I’m walking the stage and displaying my toil, but I’m also at home amongst flowers and soil,” they said before they added: “Friends, 'bro-mans', Masked Singer fans, lend me your ears.”

They claimed they “trod the boards” when on the West End but as a cub and that they "had real art to this Masked Singer business”.

Bear noted they were hard-working and focused on getting to the end goal, hoping to avoid “a comedy of error”.

“Will it be comedy? Funny you should ask! Tragedy? Well, I've done more than just watch the Scottish play.

The Masked Singer

Most fans were convinced it was Example underneath the costume

ITV

“Don't let my theatrical appearance throw you, one doesn't mind getting a bit muddy.”

Tonight, after putting on another entertaining performance, it wasn’t enough to make it through to the final and Bear was unmasked as Example.

Speaking post-reveal, Example explained why he distorted his voice and said: “I sound like me when I sing my records, and I rap like me, so I needed to do something different every week!”

Referencing Example’s rendition of a Will Smith rap on a previous episode, Maya Jama said: “That’s when I knew it was you; the breath control, the movement, the flow—I was like, that has to be someone who has actually rapped.”

Example

Some fans were confused about his identity

ITV

However, whilst the judges were thrilled that it was Example behind the mask, fans at home were left unsure as to who exactly he was.

One fan penned: “Ok, no wonder I never got this one. Didn't have a clue. Who the heck's Example?! Never heard of him.”

“Oh yes, Example. What, who? I'm getting too old for this show,” a second said before a third added: “Well I was never gonna get that one, who is Example?”

Someone else said: “I think I am getting old... Example? Does he make examples of things or am I being naive?” (sic)

Not all fans were disappointed with the reveal, as one fan expressed: “OH EXAMPLE! I knew it was you! My childhood memories coming flooding back.”

Judge Mo Gilligan - who was absent from tonight’s show - was the first to guess that it Example and previously said: “I think I've known who this is for a couple of weeks.

Natalie Cassidy

Natalie Cassidy was also unmasked as Bush

ITV

"You know why it is because of the way they stand - I know this person personally.I've seen some music clues,I've seen they can do different types of music genres.

“I see under there I think it's my friend Example.”

Bush was also uncovered as EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who said of the job: “It's been one the best jobs I've ever done. Absolutely amazing.

“My fourteen-year-old, she's either going to say, 'Mum I'm really proud of you or this is the most embarrassing thing for me ever!’.”

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