Who is Hedgehog on The Masked Singer? Beloved comedian finally unmasked
THE Masked Singer UK judges were prickled pink when the celebrity behind Hedgehog was finally revealed.
Some fans of the show had struggled to work out who the famous face behind the mask was.
Who is Hedgehog on The Masked Singer?
Hedgehog is far from a prickly character as he opened his bid to win The Masked Singer with Black Magic by Little Mix.
His next performance saw him perform Take That's Shine before his clue-giving song of Oasis classic Don't Look Back In Anger.
And it was his rendition of I Would Do Anything For Love by Meatloaf that saw him go straight through to the semi-finals.
He then sang twice - Sia's Chandelier and My Way by Frank Sinatra - to reach the final.
Hedgehog came runner up to Queen Bee and was revealed to be Jason Manford during the final.
The clues that pointed to his identity included him dancing like David Brent, singing eight shows a week and travelling with a show.
Other clues in the series included a picture of Billy Connelly, performing at intimate venues and being a workaholic.
During the final, Jason sang Little Mix's Black Magic and Michael Buble's Cry me a River.
What were the latest fan theories?
Hedgehog appeared to have viewers and judges conflicted throughout the series.
The judges were sure it was a comedian until he told his joke.
Most viewers were divided between Jason Manford and Michael Ball.
One tweeted: "Hedgehog is Jason Manford, he’s a comedian, hero is Billy Connolly, he sang an oasis song to hint that he’s from Manchester, he’s also in the West End and has performed with Michael Ball."
But Jason himself said: "The Columbo level of investigation this #MaskedSinger show has elicited is quite impressive!
"That is how I stood once yes. But I think I’m a better singer, Hedgehog’s breath control is all over the place, but maybe outfit is heavy! Who knows!?"
People "outed" as Hedgehog included Hacker T Dog and Jeremy Vine.
Hacker tweeted: "Maybe you assume I live in a mansion in Wigan, I’m sponsored by a meat paste company or maybe you assume I’m the Hedgehog from the Masked Singer."
Meanwhile, Jeremy said: "I can't wait to get out of that costume" while speaking about the show on his programme.
Other suggestions included tenor Russell Watson and singer Alfie Boe
Watson sparked the imagination of many fans after he tweeted a picture of a Hedgehog in his garden.
However, unmasked Jake Shears believed the hog was none other than Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley.
The judges' added John Thomson and Mackenzie Crook into the mix.
Who were behind all the masks?
All of the contestants from the first series of The Masked Singer have now been unveiled.
Butterfly was the first to be unmasked, revealing former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer.
Next, politician Alan Johnson was unmasked as Pharaoh made his exit.
Singer Justin Hawkins was the man behind the Chameleon mask in week three and ex-footballer Teddy Sheringham was unveiled as Tree in week four.
Daisy removed her mask in week five - only to reveal music legend Kelis.
Duck and Unicorn were both unmasked in week six as Skin, from Skunk Anansie, and Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears respectively.
Week seven saw the outing of Denise Van Outen as Fox and CeeLo Green as Monster.
Katherine Jenkins came in third spot in the final as Octopus.
The final two saw Jason unveiled as Hedgehog and winner Queen Bee as Nicola Roberts.
Is The Masked Singer over?
Yes, all the celebs behind the masks have now been revealed with the finale taking place on Saturday, February 15, on ITV at 7pm.
Three celebs battled it out in the grand finale, with the third place decided before the final two sang again.
All shows are now available to watch on the .