MASKED Singer fans are completely convinced that former judge Rita Ora is returning to the show after spotting three clues.
Singer Rita Ora was replaced by Love Island host Maya Jama for the latest series that is currently airing on ITV, with fans sure that her absence as a judge is because she’s actually a contestant.
Rita had appeared as a judge on The Masked Singer since it began in 2020 but it was confirmed in September 2024 that she would be stepping away from her judging duties on the show.
And now amid claims that Rita is a contestant on the show amid her absence on the judging panel, one fan has pointed out three telltale clues that confirm Rita is behind the disguise of Pufferfish.
Taking to a dedicated Masked Singer forum on Reddit, one person shared their thoughts on the true identity behind Pufferfish.
“Is Pufferfish Rita Ora!!???” they titled their post.
The post then read: “I think Pufferfish is Samantha Barks but it could be Rita Ora as these clues do match.
“Pair of dice that land on a 5 and 6 equals 11 – she first started on the US version Season 11.
“A five-year work diary- she did 5 series in the UK but not this series as she is under that mask/ or it could mean about fifty shades when she sang the song for it.
“Spider- She duetted with Iggy Azalea with the song Black Widow.”
They added: “Still figuring the other clues out for Rita Ora.”
One person commented on the post: “Love this!”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Masked Singer’s Joel Dommett gives NEW clues to reveal celebs behind the masks” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367684923112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]While another said: “I bet Samantha Barks but the twisted hints are rubber chicken, the american football and also the dice. Second, no idea what connects to her and the spider clue.”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D104870%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]Meanwhile, fans have a similar idea on X, with several viewers of the show convinced that Pufferfish is Rita.
“Pufferfish has the nicest voice, I reckon. I did wonder if Rita Ora might be on it because they’ve been reticent about her disappearance as a judge.
[boxout headline=”Who won The Masked Singer 2025?” featured-image=”32646117″ intro=”Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer came back in 2025.”]Twelve celebrities were hidden behind intricate costumes, with their identities concealed.
Pufferfish – This year’s winner had flawless vocals throughout the competition. West End powerhouse Samantha Barks told the audience she’d loved every second of the series.
Dressed Crab – Former American football player turned jazz singer Gregory Porter was the man behind the crustacean. He duetted with Keala Settle, who previously competed as Air Fryer, in the final.
Wolf – Wet Wet Wet heartthrob Marti Pellow was unmasked as the rugged character. McFly’s Danny Jones, who won last year’s show as Piranha, was on the panel in the final and paid his respects to the Scottish crooner.
Bush – she didn’t fool viewers and the judges were so close, but Bush was in fact EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. Davina McCall came closest, guessing Morgana Robinson, who does a mean impression of the Sonia actress
Bear – another success for new judge Maya Jama as she guessed correctly that the singing Bear was none other than singer, songwriter Example – real name Elliot Gleave.
Snail – this singer certainly fooled the judges as the mask was lifted to reveal Andrea Corr. Jonathan Ross admitted to being a huge fan of The Corrs.
Kingfisher – everyone was convinced this was Harry Hill, but the mask was lifted to reveal artist Sir Grayson Perry, who is known for his alter-ego Claire.
Teeth – this character baffled judges and viewers with their changing voice. They were finally unmasked as former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc. None of the panel managed to guess it was her.
Tattoo – despite Davina McCall saying “you sound the same” after this character was unmasked, none of the judges guessed it was 80s singer Carol Decker, whose hit China In Your Hand was a No1 hit for five weeks.
Toad In The Hole – a massive diva strop saw the character storm off the stage after the judges voted them off. They later returned to be unmasked as singer Macy Gray.
Pegasus – the mythical horse was revealed to be Prue Leith, with judge Jonathan Ross correctly guessing her identity.
Spag Bol – this character was first to be unmasked and was none other than Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.
Plus there was one extra unmasking this season, with Giant Joel – a caricature of host Joel Dommett – unveiled as double-double Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.
“Some of the clues lead to a judge role. I don’t know her singing voice though,” penned one.
And another agreed when they wrote: “I’m legit convinced Pufferfish is Rita Ora 😛 That’d be epic!”
Pufferfish is still in the competition after having crooned three different songs since the show started earlier this month.
The funky-looking fish has performed Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan; Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper; and Lose Control by Teddy Swims.
There are several celebrities that fans think might be behind the mask.
Mabel has been suggested as the anonymous star beneath the disguise, while Katy Perry is another name that has previously been in the mix.
