Masked Singer Finale Delivers Valentine's Day Surprise with Conkers Revelation
The 2026 season of ITV's The Masked Singer culminated in a spectacular and fun-fuelled finale on Valentine's Day, leaving audiences and judges alike in a state of shock and delight. After eight weeks of elaborate costumes and madcap singing performances, the identities of the final three contestants—Conkers, Moth, and Toastie—were finally unveiled in a thrilling conclusion that captivated music lovers across the nation.
Conkers Unmasked as Ben Shephard in Stunning Twist
In a dramatic reveal that left the panel gasping, the Conkers costume was removed to expose none other than television presenter Ben Shephard. The star, laughing and smiling upon his unmasking, declared, "I've always dreamt of being a conker." This revelation was particularly shocking as Shephard had previously served as a guest judge earlier in the season, adding an extra layer of surprise to the finale.
Throughout the competition, Conkers had dropped a series of cryptic clues that hinted at a connection to royalty or nobility. In one video segment, footage of a castle was accompanied by Ed Sheeran's song Castle on the Hill, while the celebrity beneath the costume admitted to being "no stranger to secrets, scandals and shock reveals." They also mysteriously stated, "As a knight of the realm, this Conker must show I’ll be there no matter the danger… as long as it isn’t too scary." These hints culminated in a performance repertoire that included songs like Myles Smith’s Nice To Meet You, House of Pain's Jump Around, and The Monkees' iconic I'm a Believer.
Toastie and Other Celebrities Revealed in Star-Studded Finale
Earlier in the final episode, TV icon Mica Paris was uncovered as the star underneath the Toastie costume. Her powerful gospel performance in the finale led many of the judges to correctly guess her identity, adding to the evening's excitement. The 2026 season featured a host of other celebrities who disguised themselves for the seventh installment of ITV's madcap game show.
- JLS star Marvin Humes participated as the Can of Worms.
- BBC presenter Ben Fogle was previously unmasked as the Sloth.
- Comedian Harry Hill took part while disguised as a Red Panda.
- Strictly star Anton Du Beke appeared dressed as an Arctic Fox.
Additional stars included singer Kate Nash as Monkey Business, Marcella Detroit as a Gargoyle, Sex Pistols icon John Lydon as a Yak, and rap star Professor Green as a Teabag. TV presenter Alex Jones was the first to be unmasked back in January as a Disc Jockey, while Olly Murs surprised viewers by dressing as a Mole and later returning as a guest judge after his identity was revealed.
Judges and Host Lead the Festivities
Show host Joel Dommett presided over the proceedings, while judges Mo Gilligan, Maya Jama, Davina McCall, and Jonathan Ross led the enthusiastic chants of "Take it off!" as the finalists were unmasked. The panel's reactions were especially poignant, given Davina McCall's recent health battles. In November 2024, the 58-year-old star revealed she had been diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare benign brain tumour, and underwent surgery. Later, in December, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing further surgery and radiotherapy.
Ahead of the 2026 finale, Davina took to Instagram to express her joy, sharing snaps with her fellow judges and writing, "It’s final night !!!! @maskedsingeruk @itv hope u have all loved this series as much as we love making it." Her resilience and return to the panel added an emotional depth to the season, inspiring fans and viewers alike.
The 2026 Masked Singer finale not only delivered entertainment and surprises but also highlighted the show's ability to bring together a diverse array of celebrities in a celebration of music and mystery. With Ben Shephard's unexpected reveal as Conkers, the Valentine's Day event will be remembered as a standout moment in the series' history, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating future seasons.
