In a double elimination twist that had the nation glued to their screens on Saturday January 24, 2026, the white-furred, sparkling Arctic Fox was revealed to be the 59-year-old ballroom icon after performing a heartfelt rendition of Barbra Streisand’s ‘Woman in Love’. Moments earlier, singer-songwriter Kate Nash had been unveiled as the quirky Monkey Business in the same explosive episode of the ITV singing competition.

Anton – the longest-serving panellist on Strictly, having graced the judging desk since 2021 after years as a professional dancer – emerged from the elaborate costume looking every inch the dapper gentleman, flashing his trademark megawatt smile as the audience erupted into cheers.

‘I’m devastated… but in the best possible way!’ Anton joked immediately after the big reveal, hugging host Joel Dommett before turning to the panel. ‘You lot were so close – and yet so far – for weeks!’

The unmasking capped off what had been one of the most hotly speculated identities in the show’s history. From the very first performance, eagle-eyed viewers and online sleuths were convinced Arctic Fox was none other than Anton Du Beke. His smooth vocal delivery, impeccable posture, theatrical flair and unmistakable warmth were dead giveaways to fans who have watched him glide across the Strictly ballroom for decades.

Social media exploded long before the official reveal. ‘Arctic Fox is 100% Anton Du Beke – that voice, that elegance, it’s him!’ one viewer tweeted weeks ago. Another posted: ‘Every single clue screams Anton. The dancing references, the charm, the way he moves even in that giant fox suit. Come on, judges!’

Yet astonishingly, the panel – Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan – appeared completely blind to the obvious. Despite fan theories flooding X (formerly Twitter), the judges repeatedly guessed everyone from Jason Donovan to musical theatre stars, prompting furious viewers to accuse them of ‘playing dumb’.

‘How are they not getting this? It’s Anton Du Beke – literally everyone knows!’ raged one fan online. Another added: ‘The judges are either the worst detectives in Britain or they’re contractually obliged to look clueless. Arctic Fox even did a little ballroom sway during the performance – it’s blatant!’

Anton himself later admitted he was ‘tickled pink’ by how quickly fans cottoned on. Posting on Instagram shortly after the show, the dancer-turned-judge shared a glamorous snap from inside the costume and wrote: ‘The rumours are true! You know me so well… maybe too well. I had the pleasure of performing as the Arctic Fox on ITV’s The Masked Singer. What a joy! 🦊🕺 Anton XX ❤️’

He went on to praise the experience as ‘one of the most liberating and fun things’ he’s ever done. ‘Singing without being judged on my dance technique? Heavenly. And hiding behind that fabulous furry face meant I could really let loose. Thank you to the incredible team for making it so magical.’

The Arctic Fox clues package had been packed with subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to Anton’s life and career. Viewers spotted references to ‘dancing through life’, a glittering ballroom backdrop, a judge’s gavel (a cheeky wink to his Strictly role), mentions of ‘strictly business’ puns, and even a framed photo hinting at his long partnership with professional dancer Erin Boag on the show years ago.

One particularly telling line in the VT saw Arctic Fox declare: ‘I’ve spent my life in the spotlight, but always in step with someone else – now it’s my solo moment.’ Another clue showed a fox twirling in a tuxedo – a clear ballroom reference.

Despite the mounting evidence, the judges remained bafflingly off-track. Jonathan Ross plumped for a West End veteran, Rita Ora suggested a pop crooner from the 80s, while guest panellist Perrie Edwards (who joined for the episode) threw out some wild cards. Only Mo Gilligan seemed to hover close at times, but even he didn’t quite land on Anton until the final seconds.

When the mask finally came off, the reaction in the studio was electric. Joel Dommett could barely contain his excitement, shouting: ‘It’s Anton Du Beke!’ as confetti rained down. Anton, ever the gentleman, bowed deeply before embracing each judge in turn.

Rita Ora was the first to speak, laughing: ‘We should have known! That voice has soothed us through so many tense Strictly moments.’ Davina McCall added: ‘You sneaky fox! We love you on Strictly – and now we love you even more for this.’

Anton revealed he was approached for the show months earlier and jumped at the chance to step out of his comfort zone. ‘Strictly is my home, but The Masked Singer let me explore a different side. Singing live, no choreography to rely on – it was terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.’

He also paid tribute to the costume department, describing the Arctic Fox outfit as ‘incredibly comfortable despite looking like a giant plush toy’. ‘The tail was a nightmare during rehearsals – kept getting caught in the mic stand – but once I was on stage, it felt magical.’

The double unmasking – with Kate Nash as Monkey Business – marked a dramatic turning point in Series 7 (or the 2026 run). Kate, 38, performed a raucous number before shedding her simian suit to reveal herself as the indie star behind hits like ‘Foundations’. She admitted: ‘I was so nervous my knees were knocking – but it was the most fun I’ve had in years!’

Fans were quick to praise the episode as one of the strongest yet. ‘Double reveal? Genius. And Anton as Arctic Fox is perfect casting,’ one viewer posted. Another wrote: ‘The Masked Singer just keeps delivering. From Kate Nash to Anton Du Beke in one night – iconic.’

The reveal has also sparked fresh crossover excitement between Strictly and The Masked Singer. With Anton now having conquered both singing and judging worlds (not to mention his dancing pedigree), speculation is already rife about whether more Strictly stars could follow suit. Could Shirley Ballas don a costume next series? Or might we see former pros like Giovanni Pernice or Graziano Di Prima stepping behind a mask?

For now, though, Anton is basking in the glow of his surprise appearance. In post-show interviews, he described the experience as ‘a bucket-list moment’ and hinted he might even consider releasing a single if the public demands it. ‘Never say never! If the fans want “Anton Does Disco”, I’m game.’

Viewers at home were equally emotional. Many Strictly devotees – still reeling from the recent departures of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman – found comfort in seeing Anton shine in a new light. ‘Anton bringing joy to Saturday night again – exactly what we needed,’ one fan tweeted with a crying emoji.

As the series continues towards its grand final, one thing is clear: Arctic Fox may be gone, but Anton’s star power has never burned brighter. From the ballroom to the masked stage, the man who has judged, danced and now sung his way into our hearts proves once again why he’s one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.

The Masked Singer UK continues on ITV1 and ITVX. And if last night’s episode is anything to go by, the surprises are far from over.

What do YOU think – was Anton the most obvious Masked Singer contestant ever, or did the judges genuinely miss it? Let us know in the comments below!