The Masked Singer reveals Bush to be EastEnders icon as finalists confirmed

Two celebrities have been unveiled in The Masked Singer semi-final, and fans have been left shocked, to say the least.

So far, we’ve had the likes of Macy Gray identified as Toad in the Hole (after a dramatic storm off stage), Spag Bol was unveiled as Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway and Pegasus as Great British Bake Off icon Dame Prue Leith.

Then, Tattoo was revealed as Carol Decker, Teeth as Bake Off legend Mel Giedroyc, and in last week’s double elimination, Snail was identified as Andrea Corr and Kingfisher as Grayson Perry.

The hit singing guessing game continued tonight as another batch of mysterious celebrities performed on stage, with judges Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and guest star Richard E Grant (stepping in for Mo Gilligan) sharing their theories over who they could all be.

Wolf, Bush, Pufferfish, Dressed Crab and Bear all took to the stage and showed off their vocals tonight, but two of their true identities were revealed.

Bear was first to be revealed as rapper Example, which Maya had already guessed, and after one final performance from the four remaining contestants, it was decided Dressed Crab, Wolf and Pufferfish were going through to the final.

As Bush’s time on The Masked Singer UK came to an end, we finally found out who they were.

And it was none other than EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy!

She said: ‘It’s been one the best jobs I’ve ever done. Absolutely amazing. My fourteen year old she’s either going to say, “mum I’m really proud of you or this is the most embarrassing thing me for me ever”.’

Guesses had included Miriam Margolyes and Catherine O’Hara in recent weeks, but several fans had guessed the Sonia Fowler actress.

Explaining the clues that had been dropped throughout the series, it was revealed the picture of Windsor Castle in one of the VTs was a nod to Natalie’s former EastEnders co-star Dame Barbara Windsor.

Another EastEnders reference were the cotton plants in polka dot pots, as a nod to Natalie’s on-screen grandmother Dot Cotton.

There were also links to Natalie’s time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, like dances hinted at through Viennese whirls, sticks of rock and salsa verde.

The actress is best known for her role as Sonia in the BBC soap, and as well as Strictly has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.

She joined the cast of EastEnders in 1993, and reprised her role in 2009.

It was revealed last month that her time on the soap is now coming to an end after 32 years.

‘I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited,’ she said in a statement.

‘After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new.

‘EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.

‘Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.’

Following her unmasking, fans branded Natalie a ‘legend’ and an ‘icon’.

‘I was so convinced it was Natalie Cassidy from day one that I actually tricked myself into thinking it was Morgana Robinson doing a Natalie Cassidy impression because it surely couldn’t be that obvious,’ @twisty_skylar said.

Others had predicted it was Natalia all along, with @natty316 writing: ‘told my friend I would eat a banana if Bush isn’t Natalie Cassidy. PLEASE GOD LET IT BE HER.’

Earlier in the evening, rapper Example was unveiled as Bear, meaning Pufferfish, Wolf and and Dressed Crab have made it to the final.

Next week, the remaining three will be taking to the stage for the grand final.

Last year, Piranha was crowned winner and revealed to be Danny Jones – who later went on to continue his winning streak on I’m A Celebrity – while semifinalists Cricket and Bigfoot were both unveiled as Lemar and Alex Brooker, respectively.

But who will be following in his footsteps?

The Masked Singer continues next week at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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