Picture this: You've just clinched victory on a wildly popular TV show, all while shrouded in mystery and disguise, but oh no – you let the cat out of the bag to a celebrity buddy before the big reveal! That's the juicy twist from this year's Masked Singer Christmas special, where the festive champion couldn't keep his secret under wraps. For those new to the show, The Masked Singer is an entertaining reality competition where famous personalities don masks and costumes to perform songs, hiding their identities from judges who try to unmask them through clues and vocal styles. It's a thrilling blend of talent, humor, and suspense that keeps viewers glued to their screens. But here's where it gets controversial – what happens when a contestant breaks the vow of silence? Is it a harmless chat with a friend, or does it undermine the show's core excitement? Stick around, as we dive into the details and unpack why this revelation has fans buzzing.
The holiday edition of the beloved ITV program, which aired on Boxing Day, crowned Mistletoe as the triumphant star. This whimsical character sported a festive plant-like headpiece, oversized red lips on its torso, and eye-catching red-and-white striped tights – think of it as a fun, plant-themed superhero outfit designed for holiday cheer. Beneath that jolly disguise was none other than Dermot O'Leary, the 52-year-old host of This Morning, a daytime TV staple where he chats with guests and keeps viewers entertained with his charismatic style. His close friend and fellow Masked Singer judge, Jonathan Ross, spotted him right away, leading to a heartfelt rendition of The Pogues' iconic track, 'Fairytale of New York.' It's a song that's become synonymous with Christmas celebrations, filled with emotion and nostalgia, making it a perfect choice for the festive season.
Yet, one person who probably wasn't shocked by Dermot's win was his ITV colleague Alison Hammond, a vibrant 50-year-old personality also known from This Morning. Dermot admitted he had confided in her about his participation, despite the strict rules of secrecy that come with the show. Keeping mum was tough, he shared, especially as the holiday approached and the episode drew nearer. To put it simply for beginners, contestants are usually forbidden from telling anyone about their involvement to maintain the surprise element – it's like promising not to peek at your Christmas presents early!
Dermot explained that he particularly struggled with not spilling the beans to those who'd been on the show before. He confessed, 'I didn't tell many people, but I did open up to Alison Hammond because she'd participated herself, and I sought her guidance.' She, who had previously dazzled as the Witchetty Grub in another special, advised him to 'just go for it – you'll have a blast, and practice up!' This kind of insider tip can be invaluable, offering reassurance from someone who's walked in the same costume-clad shoes.
Reflecting on his performance, Dermot noted that the producers gave him several song options, and he suggested a few favorites of his own. But when 'Fairytale of New York' was offered – a tune that hadn't graced the show's stage before – it was a no-brainer. 'I had to choose it,' he said, crediting the songs for boosting his confidence and overall experience. And this is the part most people miss – how song selection can make or break a contestant's journey, turning a simple performance into an unforgettable moment.
During the Boxing Day showdown, the judges – including sharp-eyed Maya Jama, witty Jonathan Ross, and insightful Davina McCall – all correctly pegged Dermot as Mistletoe, while comedian Mo Gilligan guessed rapper Big Narstie instead. Coming in second was Figgy Pudding, revealed as radio host Scott Mills, with Maya nailing that one too. Davina playfully scolded Scott, exclaiming, 'I saw you just two weeks ago, and you knew about this all along! I can't trust you anymore!' It's moments like these that showcase the show's playful banter and the genuine friendships among the celebs.
Speaking of the full series, The Masked Singer returned in stunning fashion in 2025, captivating fans with a lineup of 12 mystery performers in intricate getups. Their real identities remained hidden until the dramatic unmaskings. Let's break down the key players for those catching up – think of it as a who's who guide to help newcomers follow along.
Starting with the champion: Pufferfish emerged victorious, delivering impeccable vocals throughout. Under the aquatic costume was Samantha Barks, a powerhouse from the West End theater scene, who gushed about cherishing every minute of the adventure.
In second place, Dressed Crab was unmasked as Gregory Porter, the former American football player turned soulful jazz singer, who shared a duet in the final with Keala Settle – remember her as the unforgettable Air Fryer from a previous season?
Wolf, with its rugged appeal, turned out to be Marti Pellow, the charming heartthrob from the band Wet Wet Wet. McFly's Danny Jones, who triumphed as Piranha the year before, was on the judging panel and paid tribute to the Scottish vocalist.
Bush didn't fool the audience or judges for long, though Davina McCall was close, suggesting Morgana Robinson (known for her spot-on impressions of EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy). But it was indeed Natalie Cassidy herself, the beloved Sonia Fowler actress from EastEnders.
Bear proved to be another win for new judge Maya Jama, who correctly identified singer and songwriter Example (real name Elliot Gleave) beneath the furry facade.
Snail surprised everyone, including the judges, as Andrea Corr from The Corrs was revealed – Jonathan Ross, a big fan, was thrilled.
Kingfisher had viewers convinced it was comedian Harry Hill, but it was actually acclaimed artist Sir Grayson Perry, famous for his alter-ego Claire.
Teeth baffled judges and fans with its ever-changing voice, ultimately exposing former Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc – not a single panelist guessed correctly.
Tattoo, despite Davina noting the familiar sound, was 80s icon Carol Decker, whose smash hit 'China In Your Hand' topped the charts for five weeks.
Toad In The Hole caused a stir with a dramatic strop, storming off stage after being voted out, only to return for the reveal as Macy Gray, the soulful singer.
Pegasus, the mythical horse, was Prue Leith, with Jonathan Ross spotting her.
Spag Bol was the first unmasked, as Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.
And for an extra surprise, Giant Joel – a caricature of host Joel Dommett – was double Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah.
Back to Dermot, who remarked on his win, 'It felt fantastic, though by then, I suspect everyone had figured it out.' The toughest part? The costume's claustrophobic design and zero visibility, which can be disorienting, like performing in a dark, tight space while trying to hit every note perfectly.
To prepare, Dermot disclosed undergoing months of singing lessons, honing his skills for the challenge. The 90-minute Christmas special featured four new masked acts belting out holiday tunes, with the panel racing to guess their identities – a festive twist that blends carols with celebrity intrigue.
But here's where it gets controversial again – should contestants like Dermot be penalized for sharing secrets with trusted pals, or is it just human nature in a show built on trust? Some argue it ruins the magic for viewers, while others see it as harmless bonding. And this is the part most people miss: how these behind-the-scenes dynamics could evolve the show's format, perhaps with stricter NDAs or more creative ways to enforce secrecy.
What are your thoughts? Do you side with the purists who demand absolute confidentiality, or do you think a little insider chat adds to the fun? Is breaking secrecy ever justifiable, especially among friends who've been through it? Share your opinions in the comments – we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own Masked Singer stories!
