The Masked Singer's most shocking moments – from Macy Gray's strop to star who voluntarily unmasked himself
There have been a ton of wild moments!The Masked Singer has had it’s fair share of jaw-dropping moments over the years.
Since the British version, hosted by Joel Dommett, premiered back in 2020, viewers have been gripped as they try to work out the famous faces behind the mask.
So, with the Christmas special airing today (December 26), we’re taking a look back at The Masked Singer‘s wildest moments…
Macy Gray walks off The Masked Singer
Singing legend Macy Gray appeared on the UK version of the hit ITV show earlier this year as Toad in the Hole. After just two appearances on the show, she was sent packing after landing in the bottom two alongside Bear, who was later revealed as British rapper Example.
Host Joel Dommett tried to keep the show going and admitted: “This has never happened before,” as Macy immediately walked off in a huff before her unmasking. When she finally returned and revealed herself, reportedly hours later, the Grammy Award winner appeared visibly upset and annoyed about the situation.
10 months later, Macy explained why she decided to throw a strop for millions to see. She said on the GRIND 365 podcast: “I’m up there, singing my heart out and they picked a guy and the guy couldn’t even sing. It was like: ‘What am I doing here?'”
Rita Ora’s exit
Pop star Rita Ora first joined The Masked Singer panel back in 2020. However, in 2024, it was announced that Rita would not be returning due to joining the panel on the US version.
As a result, show bosses brought in Love Island host Maya Jama to replace Rita – and fans couldn’t have been more pleased with the switch-up. “Maya Jama is just phenomenal,” one user wrote on X at the one.
Someone else wrote: “I can’t think who Maya Jama has replaced on #MaskedSingerUK, but I already much prefer her!” A third chimed in: “I wasn’t blown over by her casting, but Maya Jama has been such a refreshing addition to the panel!”
The Masked Singer in costume disaster
Back in 2022, the character McTerrier suffered a major blunder while on the US version of the show.
After they performed Loverboy’s Working for the Weekend, things took an awkward turn when McTerrier stumbled and their head flew off.
The person behind the mask was left scrambling to try and conceal their identity – which they managed to do. However, it was eventually revealed that Food Network host Duff Goldman was behind the mask.
Davina McCall appears on Christmas special
Judge Davina McCall shocked fans when she was unveiled as Star for the Christmas Special last year.
Host Joel Dommett was joined by regular panelists Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan while iconic comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders sat in for Davina and Maya Jama.
Masked celeb Star showed off their vocals to festive tunes Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and This Christmas.
But in the biggest surprise of the night, Star was revealed to be judge Davina McCall. Joel previously joked that she wasn’t on the panel due to “diarrhoea”.
Mickey Rourke rips of mask
Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke appeared on the US version of the show in 2020. He ended up becoming the first star in history to voluntarily unmask himself.
On the show, he was behind the Gremlin costume. But three minutes after performing Ben E King’s Stand By Me, Mickey decided to take off his costume.
As he pulled at his mask, Mickey told host Nick Cannon: “I wanna take this off right now.” This caused everyone to beg him to stop. Nick insisted: “Gremlin, you can’t do that! It’s not that part of the show yet!”
He went on: “We’ve lost control! It’s the Gremlin’s show!” Mickey then yanked off his mask and could be seen grinning to himself.
The Masked Singer Christmas special airs on Friday (December 26) at at 7.30pm on ITV1.
Read more: The Masked Singer Christmas Special 2025: Who are this year’s festive characters?
