THE Masked Singer’s festive champion has revealed he let slip his show title to a fellow celeb – despite being sworn to secrecy about his win.
The festive version of the hit ITV reality series, aired on Boxing Day, saw Mistletoe take the title.
Behind the Christmassy disguise – which featured a plant headpiece, huge pair of lips on the torso and red and white striped tights – was This Morning anchor Dermot O’Leary, 52.
The much-loved broadcaster, who was immediately identified by pal and The Masked Singer judge Jonathan Ross, belted out his version of The Pogues track, Fairytale of New York.
Yet one person who won’t have been surprise to see him triumph is his ITV daytime colleague Alison Hammond, 50.
Dermot revealed he had let slip his secret to his fellow This Morning star and admitted staying silent had been “very hard”.
He revealed: “Especially to the ones that I know have done it before.
“I didn’t really tell anyone. I must confess, I did tell Alison Hammond because she had done it before and I got her advice.
“But it was difficult, especially the closer it got to Christmas and the show was going to air.”
When asked what advice she gave, after she previously donned the Witchetty Grub outfit on the show, he added: “Go for it, you’re going to love it. And practice.”
Talking of his show experience, Dermot added: “They offered me five or six songs to pick from and I offered them a couple of others that I
really love.
“But as soon as they said Fairytale of New York, which has never been done on the show before, I had to do it.
“I think the songs helped me a lot.”
SHOW CHAMP
During the Boxing Day episode, judges Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross and Davina McCall all guessed Dermot, although Mo Gilligan plumped for Big Narstie.
In second place was Figgy Pudding, who was unmasked as Scott Mills – with Maya Jama getting it right.
“I saw you two weeks ago and you knew you were doing this then!” yelled Davina after Scott’s reveal. “I’ll never trust you again!”
Who won The Masked Singer 2025?
Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer came back in 2025.
Twelve celebrities were hidden behind intricate costumes, with their identities concealed.
Pufferfish – This year’s winner had flawless vocals throughout the competition. West End powerhouse Samantha Barks told the audience she’d loved every second of the series.
Dressed Crab – Former American football player turned jazz singer Gregory Porter was the man behind the crustacean. He duetted with Keala Settle, who previously competed as Air Fryer, in the final.
Wolf – Wet Wet Wet heartthrob Marti Pellow was unmasked as the rugged character. McFly’s Danny Jones, who won last year’s show as Piranha, was on the panel in the final and paid his respects to the Scottish crooner.
Bush – she didn’t fool viewers and the judges were so close, but Bush was in fact EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. Davina McCall came closest, guessing Morgana Robinson, who does a mean impression of the Sonia actress
Bear – another success for new judge Maya Jama as she guessed correctly that the singing Bear was none other than singer, songwriter Example – real name Elliot Gleave.
Snail – this singer certainly fooled the judges as the mask was lifted to reveal Andrea Corr. Jonathan Ross admitted to being a huge fan of The Corrs.
Kingfisher – everyone was convinced this was Harry Hill, but the mask was lifted to reveal artist Sir Grayson Perry, who is known for his alter-ego Claire.
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.
Speaking about his win, Dermot told ITV: “It felt good. But I think everyone knew it was me by that point.”
He also added that the most challenging aspect of doing the show was the lack of vision.
Dermot said: “I had no vision at all. It’s quite claustrophobic and it’s quite tight in the costume. Which is fine as long as you deal with that.”
Meanwhile, he has subsequently revealed he had months of singing lessons for his show stint.
Over the 90 minute special, four new masked characters competed and sang festive songs while the hit programme’s panel attempted to guess their identity.
