The mystery surrounding the identity of Yak on ITV's The Masked Singer is intensifying, with a growing number of viewers convinced they have unmasked the celebrity behind the elaborate costume. As the show prepares for its next episode, fans are pointing their collective finger at acclaimed comedy actor and writer Reece Shearsmith.
The Voice That Gave It Away
During the first performance, Yak's deep, gravelly, and highly distinctive vocal delivery immediately triggered a wave of recognition. Rather than dismissing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead, many fans connected the voice to one of Shearsmith's most iconic creations from the cult BBC series The League of Gentlemen.
Social media lit up with the theory, with one viewer stating Yak gave them strong 'Papa Lazarou vibes', referencing Shearsmith's unsettling character. Another simply declared: 'Yak sounds so much like Reece Shearsmith', a sentiment echoed by numerous others who cited the actor's talent for creating bizarre and memorable voices across his work in League of Gentlemen and Inside No. 9.
Deciphering the Cryptic Clues
The clues presented alongside Yak's performance have only added fuel to the speculative fire. The phrase 'Yak of all trades' could nod to Shearsmith's multifaceted career as an actor, writer, and performer across television, film, and theatre.
Other hints like 'Leave your tech behind' and 'From dusk till dawn' remain more enigmatic but are being pored over by dedicated fans. The overall presentation, combining a unique voice with quirky, theatrical delivery, has led many to suspect a comedian is inside the costume, perfectly aligning with Shearsmith's profile.
Timing Adds to the Speculation
Adding circumstantial weight to the theory is Reece Shearsmith's recent professional schedule. He has just concluded the final series of the critically acclaimed Inside No. 9 and a nationwide theatre tour based on the show. This could mean the actor has a window in his diary, making participation in a major primetime show like The Masked Singer a plausible possibility.
The celebrity panel, consisting of Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama, will continue their quest to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, viewers will be watching intently when The Masked Singer returns to ITV1 tonight at 7pm, also available for streaming on ITVX where previous episodes can be caught up on.
Whether Yak is revealed to be Reece Shearsmith or another celebrity entirely, the guessing game is a key part of the show's appeal, proving once again that a distinctive voice can be the biggest clue of all.
