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Masked Singer’s Bear ‘is legendary footballer who had hit pop single’ claim fans
It comes after rapper Example was a name in the frame for the cuddly character
THE Masked Singer fans are convinced Bear is a "legendary footballer" - who also clocked up chart fame with a hit single.
ITV viewers have flip-flopped over the true identity of the cuddly character, who has impressed with its vocal talent over the past few weeks.
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Just this week, some The Masked Singer viewers insisted the character was the "easiest guess" of the series, suggesting London rapper Example was behind the mask.
Yet now some have changed tack, claiming footballer John Barnes is Bear's true identity.
The character is decked out in red regal attire and belted out a musical number from Oliver! on their first The Masked Singer performance.
Last week, the character performed Shaboozey song Tipsy and the upbeat track prompted many to suggest the 61-year-old former Liverpool ace was chanting out the track.
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One took to X to remark: "The bear is so John Barnes."
Another noted: "Going to throw it out there as John Barnes for Bear and Marti Pellow for Wolf."
A third remarked: "Bear = John Barnes."
One then insisted: "John Barnes for bear … ill leave that there," as another followed: "BEAR is John Barnes I reckon."
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A fan then surmised: "Bear is John Barnes."
Bear performs Miami in week two of The Masked Singer
John is a former professional football player and manager.
He is often considered one of the greatest England players of all time.
John now works as a sports pundit and author - but reality TV fans reckon all the Bear clues point to him.
This is particularly due to his vocal talent - after he performed a rap section in New Order track World In Motion.
He then released track This Is The One as Euro 2024 kicked off.
Who has left The Masked Singer 2025 so far?
Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer is back in 2025.
Twelve celebrities have been hidden behind intricate costumes, with their identities concealed.
Sadly, not all of this year's whacky and wonderful characters can make it to the end of the show, as there can only be one winner.
Here's who has been unmasked so far:
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.
BEAR MYSTERY
Bear has also offered a variety of clues for reality show viewers and said: ''The stage is set, the audience awaits, and I am hungry for the competition.''
During the first show, the friendly character also revealed a riddle which read: "I’m walking the stage and displaying my toil, but I’m also at home amongst flowers and soil.''
Fans have previously suggested Jordan Stephens from Hip Hop duo Rizzle Kicks is behind the mask.
The theory about Jordan came just days after ITV viewers suspected the character was actually top Brit comedian Ben Bailey Smith.
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Some viewers are also sure Bear is A Very Royal Scandal actor Michael Sheen, 55.
Others think it's EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood - with a cheeky TV confession this week seemingly sealing the deal.
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