MASKED Singer fans are convinced EastEnders ‘gave away’ Natalie Cassidy’s involvement in the show months ago.
Last weekend the soap star – who has quit as Sonia Fowler after 32 years – was unmasked as Bush.
Natalie, 41, was booted from The Masked Singer last Saturday where her identity was revealed.
As fans correctly guessed it was her, the soap star took to social media to show her friends and family’s reactions after keeping it hidden from them.
But now eagle-eyed viewers have spotted how EastEnders bosses ‘gave away’ her involvement in the show.
The Masked Singer was filmed last summer – right about the point Natalie took a break from EastEnders.
Her character Sonia was then wrongly charged with murder and put behind bars before standing trial.
Taking to a web forum, one fan said: “I remember we said in the early weeks that time-wise it fitted with Natalie being off-screen with Sonia in prison but I just couldn’t pick up on the clues in recent weeks.”
A second wrote: “I wasn’t convinced until one of her recent interviews about EE allowing her to do things while under contract, things they don’t normally allow.”
Speaking about taking party, Natalie said: “When you think something is really scary and you can’t think of anything worse – but you know it will be fun… DO IT.
“I am not a singer, but I was made to feel like one! I had the most amazing time doing this show.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Watch incredible moment Natalie Cassidy’s friends and family discover her Masked Singer Secret” 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=”6368545901112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“I was absolutely petrified, but everyone looked after me and I felt so loved. To see the kids so excited when I was unmasked was the best thing ever. So happy the secret is out!”
Natalie left soap fans stunned earlier this month when she made the decision to quit EastEnders after 32 years as Sonia Fowler.
The Sun exclusively revealed the shock news first ahead of her final scenes this month.
[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.