Viewers of ITV's popular guessing game, The Masked Singer, believe they have unmasked the celebrity inside the Arctic Fox costume within seconds of its debut performance, with the majority pointing the finger at Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
Performance Sparks Immediate Recognition
The new series returned on Sunday night, 4 January 2026, introducing a fresh batch of disguised celebrities. Arctic Fox was the first to take the stage, delivering a high-energy rendition of Pink's 'Get The Party Started'.
However, for many watching at home, the mystery was short-lived. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was quickly flooded with viewers declaring the same identity, citing the performer's distinctive voice as the major giveaway.
Social Media Erupts with Guesses
Fans expressed near-unanimous certainty online. One viewer wrote, "Arctic Fox is 100% Anton Du Beke!", while another stated, "Arctic Fox is Anton Du Beke, 0 attempt to change his voice."
The sentiment was echoed repeatedly, with comments like "That’s Anton Du Beke!" and "ANTON DU BEKE! that has to be Anton" dominating the conversation. The consensus was clear: the voice was unmistakably that of the veteran ballroom dancer and television personality.
Clues Point to a Dancing Star
The costume's introductory clue package, which aired before the performance, offered several hints that fans believe align perfectly with Du Beke's career.
The clues presented included:
- Imagery of a snowy mountain and a pencil sketch.
- The statement: 'worn many crowns in my time...and I expect the red carpet treatment'.
- Mentions of 'sharp claws' and 'food for hungry bears' written on a jar.
- A reference to being both 'in front of camera and behind the scenes'.
Fans have interpreted the 'many crowns' as a nod to his long and successful dancing career, while the 'sharp claws' could relate to the sometimes critical comments he delivers in his role as a Strictly judge. His extensive television work fits the final clue about being on both sides of the camera.
Interestingly, none of the show's regular panelists—Davina McCall, Maya Jama, Mo Gilligan, and Jonathan Ross—guessed Anton Du Beke during the broadcast, despite many at home being convinced they recognised his voice immediately.
The Arctic Fox will return to the stage next week as the competition continues, with viewers now watching to see if their early hunch proves correct.
