THE Masked Singer has had incredible names take part – but some stars crashed out surprisingly early.
Most recently, Macy Gray stormed off stage after being unveiled as Toad in the Hole.
The Grammy-winning R&B star, 57, was the third celeb to leave the ITV show in series six.
However, Macy is far from the first powerhouse vocalist to bow out sooner than fans expected.
Here is a look back at some of the shocking early exits from previous series…
Justin Hawkins
The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins competed as Chameleon in series one of The Masked Singer.
After just two weeks, the singer revealed his identity at the end of the third episode.
Judge Rita Ora was especially in shock – having made no secret of her crush on the anonymous contestant throughout the competition.
He finished tenth out of the 12 contestants – ahead of former Home Secretary Alan Johnson and EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer.
Kelis
“Milkshake” singer Kelis was among a handful of US stars who participated in the first series.
The 45-year-old singer-songwriter took part as dressed as Daisy – until her elimination in episode five.
A mind-boggled fan reacted: “ERM, WHAT IS KELIS DOING ON THE MASKED SINGER UK?”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Maya Jama pokes fun at Macy Gray storming off Masked Singer after joining judging panel” 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=”6366993553112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Another wanted to know: “What tale did Kelis’ people tell her to get her to do this?”
Kelis placed eighth overall.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Series two kicked off with a bang – as Sophie Ellis-Bextor was the first to be unmasked.
The Murder on the Dancefloor vocalist, 45, appeared as Alien during her brief ITV stint.
Fans were shocked to see Sophie go so soon, as one penned: “Enraged that Sophie Ellis-Bextor dressed as an alien was kicked off the #MaskedSingerUK first.”
Another added: “”Its a shame that the first out ended up being Sophie Ellis Bextor :(“
A third penned: “Sophie deserved better tbf.”
Mel B
Spice Girls legend Mel B continued series two’s shocking exits – as the second star to leave.
Under the guise of Seahorse, she landed in the bottom three alongside Harlequin, and Grandfather Clock.
Three of the judges correctly guessed it was Mel B under the mask.
One stunned viewer wrote: “Mel B ?!?!? I’m gonna have to rewatch this to hear her sing again.”
Another remarked: “OMG SEAHORSE IS MEL B”
Heather Small
In yet another shock, series three’s first casualty Chandelier turned out to be none other than Heather Small.
The M People lead singer fought for her place in the contest against Mushroom and Firework.
Her performance of Patsy Cline’s Crazy left viewers and the judges stumped.
A viewer wrote: “Absolutely gutted. #HeatherSmall a total #Legend. What a waste. Love her #maskedsinger.”
A second penned: “Heather Small sounded so much better when singing that Patsy Cline number in her own voice. Why did she decide to disguise it?”
Another commented: “would have never guessed that chandelier was Heather Small!”
Will Young
Continuing with series three, Will Young was another surprising early exit.
The original Pop Idol winner donned the Lionfish costume during his time in The Masked Singer.
Speaking on Lorraine after his elimination, Will said: “It was so much fun and, you know, one of the things – and I really mean this – I’m so proud of myself.
“It’s one of the highlights of my career, singing Nessun Dorma, because when would I get the chance to sing classical music on TV?”
He placed tenth overall.
Lulu
Scottish singer Lulu may have a legendary career – but her time on The Masked Singer was all too brief.
Competing in series four, the vocalist took part as the character Piece of Cake.
Many viewers already sussed out Lulu before she became the second star eliminated from series four.
One person penned: “Piece of cake is 100% lulu #maskedsinger.”
Another added: “Piece of cake is Lulu – easiest one yet”.
Writing after the unmasking, a third chimed in: “#MaskedSinger Lulu is looking good for 74.”
Martin and Shirley Kemp
Duo costumes aren’t always seen on The Masked Singer – and series four had an iconic pair behind the mask(s).
Episode three revealed Cat and Mouse as married couple Martin and Shirlie Kemp.
Martin is well-known as a member of Spandau Ballet and formerly starred in EastEnders.
Shirlie achieved fame as a backing singer for Wham! and later, one half of pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie.
They are also the parents of radio and TV presenter Roman Kemp.
Dionne Warwick
Undoubtedly one of the show’s most legendary signings, Dionne Warwick competed in seriesfive.
The singer, who was dressed as Weather, became the first person eliminated last year.
Viewers were gobsmacked by the early exit, as one wrote: “If Dionne Warwick is voted of #MaskedSingerUK 1st then there must be a 1 week contract available for those who want to take part but not for too long.
“Unless they just don’t want to pretend Weather is not her for another week?”
Another penned: “#TheMaskedSinger is def a fix! They knew it was Dionne Warwick and woulda kept her in for being the legend that she is. Something fishy going on.”
While a third commented: “Dionne Warwick clearly had a “one episode only” deal.”
The Masked Singer UK airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
[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.