EASTENDERS actor Richard Blackwood left Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid stunned as he revealed his real age live on-air.
The soap star, rapper and comedian appeared on Tuesday’s episode to tease his role as Bear on The Masked Singer.
The EastEnders and Hollyoaks alum was addressing how the late Dame Barbara Windsor had recommended him for his role on Albert Square before talk turned to his physique.
Good Morning Britain anchor Richard Madeley, 68, remarked: “You are looking physically in extremely good nick,” before Richard joked: “Can we get a wide shot of that?”
The presenter continued: ” No you really are – yeah, look at that,” before actor Richard revealed: “I’m 52, I mean …” before audible gasps could be heard from both Susanna, 54, and her co-star.
“You’re 52?” quizzed presenter Richard before mum of three Susanna gushed: “Woahhhh, I was going to ask you!”
Richard – clearly impressed by the reaction – then joked to the ITV camera crew – “Did you get that response?”
Susanna then continued: “Oh you look years younger, years younger,” before a giggling Richard quipped: “Do you know what, I always loved this show.”
Host Richard, who previously fronted ITV daytime series This Morning, then asked for the screen star’s fitness secrets.
The Mama (Who Da Man?) hitmaker replied: “Gym, martial arts and also my energy.
“I have always been a good spirited person, the older you get you realise, keep negativity away from you, keep positive.”
GMB bosses then flashed a topless snap of Richard onto the screen behind him, to which he joked: “Oh did you have that picture ready?”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Watch as Richard Blackwood drops biggest clue yet he’s Masked Singer’s Bear live on GMB” 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=”6367433005112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]As the show switched to competition host Andi Peters, who was presenting from Cyprus, they both then flexed their biceps for the camera.
Fans were also quick to remark on the TV star’s age reveal with one writing: “Richard Blackwood is 52… what a handsome man.”
Another put: “Susanna is deffo feeling Richard Blackwood.”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D103596%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]KEY CLUES
During the light-hearted chat, Richard also dropped a series of hints after telly fans linked him to The Masked Singer character Bear.
He dropped the biggest clue yet he is the man behind the mask during the telling discussion, which kicked off his chat on the ITV sofa.
ITV host Richard Madeley joked how show guest Richard “wouldn’t tell” them if he was the person disguised by the fluffy character if he was asked directly.
So instead, the former This Morning anchor referred to a slew of fan comments suggesting the Hollyoaks alum is the cuddly character and quizzed: “Why do you think everybody thinks it’s you?”
Richard, who has also carved out a career in rap, was impressed by the “beautiful” change of tack before he delivered a careful reply.
He said: “The Bear has swag.
“I’m looking and thinking thats how I would do it.
“You cant put on the bear outfit and not know the swag has to be on point.”
In another potential tease, soap star Richard said: “It’s hot in there – so I have heard.
“I did Shrek [on stage] so I can relate to the and make it work.
“That’s the way I would do it if I did it.”
The character is decked out in red regal attire and belted out a musical number from Oliver! on their first The Masked Singer performance – and has left fans guessing about their identity ever since.
