Cat Deeley Overwhelmed by Ben Shephard's Secret Masked Singer Role
This Morning presenter Cat Deeley was left in tears after discovering her co-host Ben Shephard's clandestine participation in The Masked Singer, a revelation that unfolded during an emotional segment on the ITV daytime show. Ben Shephard, who joined the This Morning team alongside Cat Deeley in March 2024, had kept his identity as Conkers on the popular singing competition a closely guarded secret from most of his colleagues.
The Emotional Unveiling on This Morning
Speaking on This Morning on Monday, 16 February, Ben Shephard recounted the poignant moment when Cat Deeley first saw him in the Conkers costume. "I had a couple of people that were in my confidence, and Cat was one of them, because I was so traumatised that after every episode, I would come in in the morning shaking and we'd have to talk it through," Ben explained to co-hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary. "And when she first saw Conkers… he was such a special character, she burst into tears when she saw him. Those big eyes and wobbly knees."
Ben Shephard, aged 51, was unmasked as Conkers during the dramatic final of The Masked Singer, where he secured second place behind winner Keisha Buchanan, who performed as Moth. He humorously attributed his success to the costume, stating, "It was a testament to costume over class, because I certainly shouldn't have been there!" Despite his modesty, Ben's performance captivated fans and judges alike, making his reveal a shocking moment for many viewers.
Behind the Scenes of the Secret Role
Ben Shephard described his experience on The Masked Singer as "extraordinary" and "emotional," noting that he took on the challenge after turning 50 as a way to embrace more daring opportunities. "Having turned 50, I thought, 'I've gotta do a few more scary things,' and this was my favourite," he shared. The isolation of keeping the secret proved challenging, as Ben admitted, "It's an isolating experience going on this show, as you can't tell anyone. I can't wait to be able to talk to everyone about it."
In a twist of irony, Ben had been interviewing other unmasked celebrities on This Morning while still competing in the show, a fact that added to the intrigue. "The bizarre thing is, I have been interviewing all the unmasked celebrities on This Morning. They have no idea I'm on the show and still in it!" he revealed. This dual role allowed him to gather insights, as he noted, "Davina was talking to me in the most minute detail about what happens when you're a contestant on the show. I was asking her loads of questions."
The Charm of the Conkers Costume
Ben Shephard expressed deep affection for his Conkers costume, which played a key role in his emotional connection to the character. "You might not have realised that I'm not necessarily the best singer. The costumes are incredible, my costume particularly had so much going for it. I fell in love with it immediately," he said. He elaborated on Conkers' persona, describing him as a knight who is "actually just a little bit nervous as well and actually wants people to be his mates."
Reflecting on the opportunity, Ben added, "I think it was destiny. They talked me through some ideas but when they showed me Conkers I fell in love with it." His journey on The Masked Singer not only surprised fans but also strengthened bonds with his This Morning colleagues, as evidenced by Cat Deeley's tearful reaction.
This Morning continues to air weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX, while The Masked Singer UK is available for streaming on ITVX, offering viewers more behind-the-scenes glimpses into such captivating television moments.
