The Masked Singer: Viewers 'shocked' as Emperor Penguin unveiled as Matt Lucas
Viewers were not expecting that!The Masked Singer returned to ITV tonight (January 4), where Emperor Penguin was unveiled as comedian Matt Lucas.
For the first time in the show’s history, the ITV show featured bands performing on stage. During Saturday night’s (January 3) launch, Goldfish appeared alongside No Trout, who was revealed to be pop singer Anne-Marie.
Once unmasked, she joined the panel in trying to guess who the other celebrities were. After five new contestants took to the stage, Disc Jockey became the first to be voted off. They were unveiled as The One Show presenter Alex Jones.
Emperor Penguin on The Masked Singer
Tonight, it was Emperor Penguin’s turn to step into the spotlight and join the Antarctic Funkeys. At the beginning of the show, they sang Pinball Wizard by Elton John.
Clues pointed towards someone who could be associated with the BBC show Gladiators, which immediately led judge Davina McCall to guess host Bradley Walsh.
However, after watching a handful of contestants perform, it was time for viewers to find out who Emperor Pengiun was. But first, the panel had to give their final guesses.
Mo Gilligan said Peter Andre and Maya Jama said boxer Connor Benn. Jonathan went with Sir Trevor McDonald. Meanwhile, Davina kept her initial guess of Bradley Walsh.
However, when Emperor Penguin unveiled themselves, it was actually Little Britain star Matt Lucas.
‘Why does Matt Lucas have the same singing voice as Robbie Williams?’
Following the reveal, fans were surprised that Matt was underneath the costume.
“My flabbers are ghasted,” one user wrote on X.
“I am in shock. Why does Matt Lucas have the same singing voice as Robbie Williams?” another person shared.
“Oh, Matt Lucas?! I thought Emperor Penguin was Bradley Walsh,” a third insisted.
“Who knew Matt Lucas could sing like Robbie Williams and Bradley Walsh?” a fourth echoed.
“I’m convinced Matt Lucas is one of them every year but didn’t guess this time!” a fifth joked.
Read more: The Masked Singer 2026: ITV confirms Perrie Edwards and other celebrity guest judges
