THE Masked Singer fans are convinced Bear is a “legendary footballer” – who also clocked up chart fame with a hit single.
ITV viewers have flip-flopped over the true identity of the cuddly character, who has impressed with its vocal talent over the past few weeks.
Just this week, some The Masked Singer viewers insisted the character was the “easiest guess” of the series, suggesting London rapper Example was behind the mask.
Yet now some have changed tack, claiming footballer John Barnes is Bear’s true identity.
The character is decked out in red regal attire and belted out a musical number from Oliver! on their first The Masked Singer performance.
Last week, the character performed Shaboozey song Tipsy and the upbeat track prompted many to suggest the 61-year-old former Liverpool ace was chanting out the track.
One took to X to remark: “The bear is so John Barnes.”
Another noted: “Going to throw it out there as John Barnes for Bear and Marti Pellow for Wolf.”
A third remarked: “Bear = John Barnes.”
One then insisted: “John Barnes for bear … ill leave that there,” as another followed: “BEAR is John Barnes I reckon.”
A fan then surmised: “Bear is John Barnes.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Bear performs Miami in week two of The Masked Singer” 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=”null” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366966270112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]John is a former professional football player and manager.
He is often considered one of the greatest England players of all time.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D105411%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]John now works as a sports pundit and author – but reality TV fans reckon all the Bear clues point to him.
This is particularly due to his vocal talent – after he performed a rap section in New Order track World In Motion.
He then released track This Is The One as Euro 2024 kicked off.
[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.
BEAR MYSTERY
Bear has also offered a variety of clues for reality show viewers and said: ”The stage is set, the audience awaits, and I am hungry for the competition.”
During the first show, the friendly character also revealed a riddle which read: “I’m walking the stage and displaying my toil, but I’m also at home amongst flowers and soil.”
Fans have previously suggested Jordan Stephens from Hip Hop duo Rizzle Kicks is behind the mask.
The theory about Jordan came just days after ITV viewers suspected the character was actually top Brit comedian Ben Bailey Smith.
Some viewers are also sure Bear is A Very Royal Scandal actor Michael Sheen, 55.
Others think it’s EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood – with a cheeky TV confession this week seemingly sealing the deal.
