BADGER has left viewers of The Masked Singer scratching their heads as they try work out who is behind the costume.
While the identity of the Badger remains a secret, many have a hunch it’s Ne-Yo, saying the character has put on a fake accent.
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Who is the Badger on The Masked Singer?
It’s not been confirmed who is behind the Badger mask on The Masked Singer.
Twitter is flooded with people confidently guessing that Badger is Ne-Yo, with one writing: “Willing to bet my life that Badger is 100% Ne-Yo”.
Many fans have detected a change in the character’s accent after the most recent instalment of the hit show.
“Badger has a fake British accent when speaking & then sounds American when singing #maskedsingeruk,” pointed out one viewer.
A second added: “Badger’s accent has changed #MaskedSingerUK.”
“Badger’s fake British accent is sickening #maskedsingeruk,” weighed in a third, while a fourth asked: “Has Badger’s accent changed? Is Badger faking an accent? #MaskedSingerUK.”
The first clue is the singer’s vocals, which fans say clearly sound like Ne-Yo’s recognisable voice.
One person tweeted: “I also think the Badger is Ne-Yo. Very distinctive voice.”
Another said: “I can hear the Ne-Yo from Badger. Wasn’t entirely sure before. He’s given us some incredible performances.”
Something else viewers have picked up on is Badger’s song choices.
His performance of Because of You led some fans to Ne-Yo as he has a song of the same name.
One woman tweeted: “I’m finally coming round to the idea that Badger is Ne-Yo.
“He performed at a tribute concert for Barbra Streisand and last week he sang ‘Because of You’ and Ne-Yo also has a song called that.”
Meanwhile, guesses from the judges have ranged from Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay to Andy Serkis, and Will Young to Idris Elba.
But many fans are also convinced that Badger is James Blunt, following a strange clue about medals.
Before singing for the judging panel, Badger gave a mysterious clue to viewers, alluding to the fact that he had collected “medals”.
Quick-thinking fans linked this with James Blunt, a former captain in the Life Guards regiment of the British Army.
One fan wrote: “Badger is James Blunt for sure, every clue points to him; medals and the military, motorbikes, boarding school…anonymous was the intro to his album, he did Chemistry A-Level, did a ‘virtual’ concert, is a poet/songwriter, a great musician.”
Another hot contender for being Badger is Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton.
Ladbrokes now make Clifton just 6/4 to be unveiled as the man hiding underneath the mask.
This makes him joint-favourite to be unmasked as the character alongside Ne-Yo who is priced at the same odds.
When asked to give the judges two truths and a lie, Badger replied: “Strictly speaking, I’m known for dancing.”
The more wacky guesses from the judging panel of Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall and Rita Ora, are gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh, EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, and even a bizarre vote for The Cheeky Girls.
Others say it could be the lead singer of virtual band Gorillaz, Damon Albarn, because of his claim that he used to be anonymous.
Another theory is Ben Shephard, especially after he awkwardly avoided answering Lorraine Kelly’s questions on Good Morning Britain on January 15, 2021.
The presenter also refused to shut down rumours he’s Badger on The Masked Singer on GMB on February 5, 2021, as he ignored his co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins when she grilled him on the show.
Other clues to his identity are that he wrote poems for girls, a picture of the periodic table and that he has a large family.
Can you guess who it is?
How can I watch The Masked Singer and when is it next on TV?
The Masked Singer semi-final kicked off on ITV, February 6, at 7pm and ran for 90 minutes.
The final is on February 13 at 7pm.
This series launched on Boxing Day, 2020, and has seen viewers and the judges try to guess the famous faces behind the 12 colourful costumes.
Over the weeks the contestants have been whittled down to just three.
Viewers can play along with the judges and try to guess who is behind the colourful costumes.
All episodes are available to watch online via the ITV Hub.
