All the clues from The Masked Singer series 2 explained 🎠🎶
We'll miss the bonkers show!
Love it or hate it, The Masked Singer is now a staple part of British culture. Even if you pretend to hate the show, one episode would surely be enough to change your mind - and you'd be just as intrigued over the true identity of a celebrity dressed up in a hilarious sausage costume as the rest of us.
Sadly, the second UK series has now come to an end, after Joss Stone was crowned the winner and unmasked as Sausage during the final on Saturday 13th February, with Ne-Yo coming second as Badger and JLS star Aston Merrygold coming third in the Robin costume.
If, like us, you spent most of the episodes glued to the Internet trying to uncover what every little detail could mean, you've come to the right place. We've gathered together all the clues from the last eight weeks, and compiled them with the explanations and links to each celebrity. Enjoy!
The Masked Singer: All the clues explained
WINNER: Sausage - Joss Stone
Sausage was our winner! After being unmasked as Joss Stone, fans of the show were shocked to learn that it wasn't Sheridan Smith or Stacey Solomon under the mask! She sang 'Skin' by Rag'n'Bone Man, 'Don't Let Go (Love)' by En Vogue, 'All Around the World' by Lisa Stansfield, 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor, 'Good as Hell' by Lizzo, 'Rise Up' by Andra Day and 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)' by Whitney Houston.
EPISODE 1:
Sausage told us she's a combination of "a little bit of everything", meaning Joss having a lot of different roles i.e singing, acting, presenting etc., and admitted that although she may look like a tomboy, she's really a girly girl. She called herself a "silly sausage" and added that her performances are "something of a balancing act". Sausage could also been seen cavorting around Blackpool, a nod to beach Blackpool Sands in Devon, near where Joss is from. There was also a sign reading 'Billie's Burger Van', which could have been referencing her famous cover of 'Super Duper Love (Are You Diggin' Me)', originally by Sugar Billy. We could also see Dover Sole on the menu - Joss is from Dover and a soul singer.
EPISODE 3:
Sausage told us she was "no-nonsense", and had a pink toolbox - something Joss has spoken about owning in the past and admitted she loves doing DIY! She also showed us two beers and some crisps - leading viewers to the TV show Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Sheridan Smith - but this could have been a red herring! She also had two songs feature on the show. There was a pub quiz sign listing a time of 7.43pm, which could have been about Joss having seven albums and 43 singles. Her two lies and one truth were:
1) "My hair colour is officially certified by law"
2) "Someone once said I look like a popstar, I sound like a popstar and I am a popstar"
3) "I owe my career to a horse" - this was the truth, as Joss sold a pet horse to pay for her career in the early days.
EPISODE 5:
Sausage's 'clue song' in her third appearance was 'All Around the World' by Lisa Stansfield - a clue to Joss having sang in almost every country in the world, plus the fact that she was once handed a BRIT Award by Lisa Stansfield. She made a comment about someone telling her she "looked like a horse", but this was a nod to her role on The Tudors as Anne of Cleves. She also added that that "it's not the first time you can't see my face in my work", meaning her voiceover work in American Dad! and the 2010 video game James Bond 007: Blood Stone.
EPISODE 6:
Blackpool continued to feature heavily in Sausage's clues, as well as telling us she is very lucky to have travelled around the world, admitting that she hasn't done it in style and doesn't need luxury - a reference to Joss owning a camper van. She said she feels "young at heart", the name of one of her songs, and a snoop in her dressing room showed us a crystal ball (she played a psychic in Eragon) and some incense sticks - also called joss sticks.
EPISODE 7:
We spotted a dragon toy, which could be another nod to Joss' role in Eragon, joking that she'd "snagged a King" - another reference to her role as Anne of Cleves - and she was present at both Prince William and Prince Harry's weddings, being close friends with the latter.
EPISODE 8:
Sausage told us this was the last stop on her tour, adding that although she'd been a sausage the whole time, she was actually entirely plant-based - this was a reference to Joss' animal rights activism and vegetarianism. She also joked that she'd won an award that sounds like 'hammy' - a nod to her Grammy Award wins.
Runner-up: Badger - Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo played the game VERY well as Badger - keeping us all guessing with his super subtle clues and disguising his voice with songs unlike his normal repertoire. He sang 'Feeling Good' by Nina Simone, 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing' by Aerosmith, 'Because of You' by Kelly Clarkson, 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus, 'Grease' by Frankie Valli, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Nirvana and 'Believer' by Imagine Dragons.
EPISODE 1:
Badger spoke in a cockney accent, and told us that he's used to being anonymous (he co-wrote Mario's 'You Should Let Me Love You' so no-one recognised him at the start of his career), he sees things in a "virtual world" (a nod to his stage name Ne-Yo being derived from Neo of the Matrix film series) and there were a lot of motorbikes! This confused many people, but he rode one in the music video for his hit single 'Closer'.
EPISODE 3:
Badger told us we'd have to "get up extra early to catch" him, admitting that he'd been super shy as a youngster and wrote poems about the girls he'd liked. He added that he'd one day decided to show his friends what he could do, and then he'd blossomed. His two lies and one truth were:
1) "I'm good at dodging furniture"
2) "When working, I'm often found in green"
3) "Strictly speaking, dancing is something I'm well known for" (This is true - he's a judge on World of Dance)
EPISODE 5:
Badger told us it was their mum who opened them up to their gift when they were very young, adding that there was little room to spare - not even for a mouse in the house. This could be a reference to Disney, having written and performed 'Never Knew I Needed' for the film The Princess and the Frog, and he also sang 'Friend Like Me' from Aladdin for a Disney compilation album. For his clue song, Badger sang 'Because of You' by Kelly Clarkson, a reference to his second album of the same name.
EPISODE 6:
Badger hinted he that he's used to being on sets and studios, as Ne-Yo is no stranger to a music studio or a film set. He was also spotted looking at a milliner website, referencing Ne-Yo's love for hats - he owns 12,000! He also received a letter from Barbra Streisand - having performed at a tribute concert for her.
EPISODE 7:
In the semi-final, Badger revealed his career has been anonymous, which was another reference to how he's been a songwriter for other artists throughout his career - plus the fact that people know him as Ne-Yo, not his real name: Shaffer Chimere Smith. He also mentioned both snow and Christmas music; Ne-Yo released Christmas album 'Another Kind of Christmas' in 2019.
EPISODE 8:
Badger told us they know what it's like to be sat on the panel as a judge (Ne-Yo is a judge on World of Dance), and that this has been their greatest role outside of Hollywood.
Robin - Aston Merrygold
A lot of us spotted that Robin was Aston Merrygold from JLS pretty early on - but it was fun to watch the judging panel keep guessing! Aston made it all the way to the final as Robin, singing 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' by Justin Timberlake, 'Dance Monkey' by Tones and I, 'Rockin' Robin' by Michael Jackson, 'Closer' by Ne-Yo, 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran, 'Footloose' by Kenny Loggins and 'For Once in My Life' by Stevie Wonder.
EPISODE 1:
Robin said they're ready to "go the distance", adding that they've been training and now they're "fighting fit", later saying that they've been known to "fly without wings" - JLS covered the song by Westlife at the final of The X Factor.
EPISODE 3:
There was yet another Westlife clue from Robin, this time saying he felt like he was in a "world of his own" during his previous performance. He added that he'd been a sporty child, doing athletics and playing footballer - even admitting he'd represented his country. Aston initially wanted to be a footballer, and represented his country when playing Soccer Aid. His two lies and one truth were:
1) "My real name is out of this world"
2) "This Robin's Habitat is more tropical than you think"
3) "I started performing by doing impressions" (This is true - he performed on Stars in Their Eyes aged 14 as Michael Jackson)
EPISODE 5:
Robin told us we'll need the luck of the Irish to pin the name on them, adding that they might have winds but they don't stray far. Robin told us they focus their energy on things they're good at, and that the simple things in life taste the sweetest - before being handed a biscuit (Aston's nickname was Cookie). Robin's clue song was 'Rockin' Robin' by Michael Jackson - the song he sang on Stars In Their Eyes.
EPISODE 6:
Robin revealed he's not always been so bright and confident, admitting he likes to use his voice to inspire. There was a UFO poster in the VT, which is a hint towards JLS' original name being UFO.
EPISODE 7:
Robin revealed his character's chest is red but he's known for being blue - in JLS, Aston's signature colour was blue. He also told us that he started his career at a very young age.
EPISODE 8:
Robin told us that they'd made it to the final of another competition, and hoped he wouldn't make a 'berk' of himself - a nod to JLS making it to The X Factor final in 2008 and missing out to Alexandra Burke. His final clue was that his 'name fits like a glove' - with Merrygold sounding like Marigold.
Harlequin - Gabrielle
A lot of people were able to recognise Gabrielle's voice under her Harlequin mask - but the clues didn't seem to add up, which meant some viewers wrote her off... But it was her in the end! She sang 'Diamonds' by Rihanna, 'Smile' by Nat King Cole, 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman, 'Falling' by Harry Styles, 'Everything I Wanted' by Billie Eilish and 'Sweet but Psycho' by Ava Max.
EPISODE 2:
Harlequin described herself as a joker, and there were a lot of references to being in the news. She was filmed in front of Chatsworth House, and added that she once played the male lead in a musical.
EPISODE 4:
Harlequin told us in her VT that "you'll have to be quick to catch this Harlequin", adding that she is fascinated by stories and loves to read, especially tales of horror and gore. Her two lies and one truth were:
1) My bodyguard received a lot of attention
2) I get up before the sun
3) I once turned down a prince (This is true - the singer Prince once asked her to perform with him and she was too nervous)
EPISODE 5:
Harlequin told us that they enjoy cleaning up, and showed us their many trophies. Harlequin told us they're much more likely to be at home than out partying, but that they love a music festival - Gabrielle has played at many music festivals before. Her clue song was 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman, which led many to wonder if Tracy was actually performing as the Harlequin - but this is actually a nod to Gabrielle sampling the famous song in her debut single, 'Dreams'.
EPISODE 6:
As well as admitting they once met music legend Prince, Harlequin teased they started their career in a man's suit - Gabrielle was well-known for wearing suits.
EPISODE 7:
Final clues for Harlequin mentioned the BRIT Awards (she won two), the fact she only works three months of the year, and she also revealed somebody she admired once used to do impressions of her - Adele started out her career by singing Gabrielle songs.
Dragon - Sue Perkins
Dragon kept us all guessing til the last minute... But die-hard Sue Perkins fans knew she was Dragon! She sang 'You've Got a Friend in Me' by Randy Newman, 'Reach' by S Club 7, 'All by Myself' by Celine Dion, 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)' by Cher and 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele.
EPISODE 1:
Dragon told us they're "fire and strength on the outside", but "just want to be loved". They told us that they've "become a big character", and joked that they mustn't "drag on" before adding that they've been known to have a fiery temper. They said they must "try and conduct themselves" better in the competition, a nod to Sue's career as an orchestra conductor.
EPISODE 3:
Dragon told us they could perform in a way they would never normally be able to behind the mask, adding that they can't work out if they're brave or silly - this is due to the fact that Sue isn't a confident singer, despite her beautiful voice! Dragon told us they'd do anything for a dare, and that's what got them started in their career. They met a boyfriend on stage (she was in a six-year relationship with a man named Rob after meeting during their school production of Carmen), and performing in the costume hides their 'big belly'. Their two lies and one truth were:
1) "My name is my biggest clue"
2) "I once had an embarrassing incident with a famous shoe" (This is the truth)
3) "I know my own IQ backwards"
EPISODE 5:
Dragon told us there was an "air of destiny" in becoming the dragon, as their journey started AND ended with a giant winged costume. They then fought with a soldier who was listening to a pink iPod, and said they were no oath-breaker (a nod to Sue's podcast on Game of Thrones). They said they've taken some perilous journeys which have led them back to the stage! Dragon also sang 'All by Myself' by Celine Dion as their clue song - a nod to Sue normally being seen with her comedy partner, Mel Giedroyc.
EPISODE 6:
Dragon confirmed they love to learn and read books, as well as making reference to 'Food Glorious Food' from Oliver - she hosted a show called Light Lunch with Mel.
EPISODE 7:
As well as mentioning Absolutely Fabulous (the show on which Sue was a writer), Dragon revealed her career has put smiles on people's faces, as well as connecting with people all over the world.
Blob - Sir Lenny Henry
Most viewers had guessed Blob's true identity after the first couple of weeks - so it was good to see we were right, and it was Sir Lenny Henry under the mask! He sang 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, 'Word Up!' by Cameo, 'Hotel Room Service' by Pitbull and 'Addicted to Love' by Robert Palmer.
EPISODE 2:
There was a big teacher theme going on, with Blob standing in a classroom and saying they'd been known as 'four eyes' - leading many of us to wonder if they're a glasses-wearer. However, this was really a reference to Lenny's role on Hope & Glory as headteacher Ian George. Blob mentioned they wanted to be James Bond or Batman, and admitted they once recorded a demo for Simon Cowell!
EPISODE 4:
Blob told us they are a bit of an academic and commented on their "shape", adding that they've duetted with some amazing artists (he sang backing vocals on Kate Bush's album on which Prince played guitar. They added that they've written songs - including a winning anthem. Their two lies and one truth were:
1) They were named after a doctor (This was true - Lenny was named after the doctor who delivered him, Dr. Lenworth!)
2) They're anything but squishy
3) They're related to my sidekick
EPISODE 5:
Blob was back in the school this time (which could have been another reference to Lenny's role on Hope and Glory), and told us that they always 'stand up' (a nod to Lenny's career as a stand-up comic), adding that laughter can do truly wonderful things - building bridges and breaking barriers. Blob also told us a lesson they learned as a youngster - making yourself the punchline can win over the toughest of crowds. There was also a mention of the word 'waists' - an anagram of Tiswas, the Saturday morning children's show Lenny co-hosted. He also sang 'Hotel Room Service' by Pitbull as his clue song, referencing Lenny's adverts with Premier Inn.
EPISODE 6:
Blob told us they love to cook as much as they love to sing, and confirmed they've been on many stages with many different roles - with a reference to Shakespeare, as Lenny once played Othello in the West End.
Viking - Morten Harket
Viking kept us guessing for weeks! His clues were very subtle, but he was unmasked as A-ha singer Morten Harket in Episode 6 in a double elimination. In Episode 2, he sang 'Songbird' by Fleetwood Mac and in Episode 4 he sang 'Watermelon Sugar' by Harry Styles. In Episode 5, he became the first singer on the show to sing their own song, performing a stripped back version of 'Take On Me' by A-ha, and in Episode 6 he performed 'The Scientist' by Coldplay.
EPISODE 2:
There were a lot of references to the word King, and Morten's hometown of Kongsberg in Norway translates to 'King's Rock'. There were additional clues about being curious, being explorers and looking for a voice.
EPISODE 4:
Viking told us that they live by their instincts, showing us an American flag and adding that they like doing their own thing and breaking the rules. They added that they're "not bound by chains" but that "success can be found when I break something". Their two lies and one truth were:
1) They're a proud owner of a Blue Peter badge (This is true - he appeared on the show in 1986)
2) Their first hit "dialled M for Murder"
3) Their early career relied on brotherly love
EPISODE 5:
Viking told us that the odds are in their favour, and that over a billion people have watched them do their thing - the music video for 'Take On Me' has had over 1 billion views on YouTube. There was also a reference to pop groups Spandau Ballet and A1 on a map (A1 rose to fame with a cover of 'Take On Me), as Viking told us that steel has proved useful in their career - they have an album called 'Cast in Steel'. For his clue song, Morten became the first Masked Singer competitor to sing their own sing - performing a stripped back version of 'Take On Me' by A-ha.
EPISODE 6:
Viking told us they've written their own tales and comic books (a theme in the 'Take On Me' video), as well as admitting he's 'swapping my sword for my voice'. He could also been seen holding very long notes - Morten is well-known for holding long notes in his singing! Viking was also spotted in a surveillance clip on the phone, saying "A-ha" three times.
Bush Baby - John Thomson
Bush Baby was a lovable character, unmasked as Cold Feet actor John Thomson in Episode 5. He sang 'Delilah' by Tom Jones in Episode 2, 'A Little Less Conversation' by Elvis Presley vs. JXL in Episode 4 and 'Release Me' by Engelbert Humperdinck in Episode 5.
EPISODE 2:
There was an Australian theme, mentions of a zoo which referenced John's role on Saturday Zoo that he worked on with Jonathan, and a reference to being nocturnal. He said he was cheeky, full of mischief and also wore a fez - we could also see a pair of socks hanging up in the VT, meaning John's show Cold Feet.
EPISODE 4:
Bush Baby continued with the foodie references, saying they would be "whipping up a special dish" (John was on Celebrity MasterChef) and even threw in a couple of ABBA references, saying that they "didn't say thank you for the music", and that "the winner takes it all" - but this was a red herring, and instead referenced John's role on Knowing Me, Knowing You and Waterloo Road. There was also a hint to magic tricks as well as drumming (John is a drummer), and that they've worked with both children and animals.
EPISODE 5:
Bush Baby told us they're not known for their good behaviour (a nod to John's time on Men Behaving Badly), but "know how to put on a show" as they opened up a suitcase full of magic tricks - a hobby of John's. They added that they loved the attention, and could be seen reading a book by Chekov - hinting how John is a classically trained actor. John also sang 'Release Me' by Engelbert Humperdinck as his clue song - this is something he sang on The Fast Show.
Grandfather Clock - Glenn Hoddle
Footballing legend Glenn Hoddle was the fourth celebrity to leave the competition, singing 'Rock Around the Clock' by Bill Haley & His Comets in Episode 2, and 'You Make Me Feel So Young' by Frank Sinatra in Episode 4, with a performance of 'Can't Smile Without You' by Barry Manilow as his sing-off song.
EPISODE 2:
Sport was a huge clue for this character, with the three lions being a big part of his life - of course, a nod to Glenn's time as an England footballer. We saw football boots, cowboy boots with spurs (he played at Tottenham Hotspur) a tennis racket and golf in the VT, and a reference to being a "keeper" on a "big estate". There was also a clue about "extra time" and also that he has grandchildren.
EPISODE 4:
He told us about how he was "saving" his real identity, adding that his timekeeping is very important and that his skills have been commentated on. He then showed letters addressed to SN1 2ED - the postcode of Swindon Town Football Club where Glenn was manager, also showing a postcard from Bulgaria (he made his England debut against Bulgaria) and even admitted he'd "seen the Hand of God" with his "own two eyes" - he played in the infamous 1986 game against Argentina. His two lies and one truth were:
1) Never worked in a bank but great at saving
2) A Prime Minister compared our jobs (This was the truth; he visited Tony Blair who said Glenn had a bigger job than he did for the six weeks he was at the World Cup!)
3) People always give me stuff they don't like
Swan - Martine McCutcheon
Swan was unmasked as Martine McCutcheon in Episode 3, singing 'That Don't Impress Me Much' by Shania Twain in Episode 1 and 'I Am What I Am' by Gloria Gaynor in Episode 3, followed by 'Black Velvet' by Alannah Myles as her sing-off song - but lost out to Sausage!
EPISODE 1:
Swan spoke with an American accent, saying that they're known for being beautiful birds, but that she associates them with loyalty, strength and independence. She walked through a ballroom, which many took to be a reference to Strictly Come Dancing but was actually where she filmed her music video for 'Any Sign of Life'. Swan told us there's something "royal" about swans (a nod to the Queen Vic pub in EastEnders where Martine played Tiffany Mitchell). She said that becoming Swan has felt like a full-circle moment from "where it all began" (having starred in TV show Bluebirds), and her final clue in Episode 1 was that her career has "been very honoured".
EPISODE 3:
Swan told us that although she'd lost out to Dragon, it was "only the opening act", adding that swans are noble creatures that have a sense of "regalness and purpose" - and mentioned that she's had deals with "more than one president of the USA" - a reference to her role in Love Actually and also when she sat next to Donald Trump at Liza Minelli's wedding. Her two lies and one truth were:
1) "I used to be part of a girl band" (This was true - Martine was in a girl group called Milan)
2) "I'm not as grand as my name suggests"
3) "I might be a swan, but I'm also something of a cat woman"
Sea Horse - Mel B
Many viewers were STUNNED when Mel B was unmasked as Sea Horse in Episode 2! She'd done a good job of disguising her voice, and her clues weren't particularly obvious. She sang 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' by Kylie Minogue.
EPISODE 2:
Sea Horse told us she was well-known for being on a talk show (she's a TV presenter), that she has a very unique look (her iconic style within the Spice Girls), she's lots of fun and she's stolen loo roll from a famous person's house (this turned out to be Nelson Mandela). There was also a set of giant red lips - a hint towards her presenting Lip Sync Battle UK
Alien - Sophie Ellis Bextor
Sophie was sadly the first celeb to be unmasked and the leave the competition, after singing 'Don't Start Now' by Dua Lipa.
EPISODE 1:
Alien told us she had "travelled faster than the speed of light", and mentioned the name of her album - 'Trip the Light Fantastic' - adding that earth looked like a "toy" from outer space (possibly a reference to her doll collection) and also made mention of "glitter" plus the fact that she'd once been in an "epic battle", from when she'd had a small role in a Game of Thrones episode. We also saw a crime scene - a nod to Sophie's huge hit 'Murder on the Dancefloor'.
Read more:
Sheridan Smith 'flattered' after Masked Singer fans believed she was Sausage
Robin unveiled as JLS star Aston Merrygold on The Masked Singer
Gabrielle reveals child birth was EASIER than wearing her Masked Singer costume