The Masked Singer UK delivered one of its most jaw-dropping moments yet during the semi-final episode aired on February 7, 2026, as viewers, judges, and even the host were left reeling after the unmasking of Sloth. Fans of the hit ITV guessing game have grown accustomed to surprise reveals, but nothing could have prepared them for the sight of television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle stepping out from beneath the furry, energetic costume.
The atmosphere in the studio was electric as the remaining five contestants—Moth, Can of Worms, Conkers, Toastie, and Sloth—took to the stage, each vying for a coveted spot in the grand finale. The stakes were higher than ever, and the performances reflected it, with Sloth delivering a heartfelt rendition of Paul McCartney’s 1984 classic "We All Stand Together." Despite the effort, Sloth received the fewest votes, sealing their fate as the first semi-finalist to be eliminated that evening, according to Daily Mail.
When it came time for the big reveal, host Joel Dommett turned to the panel—Davina McCall, Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Katherine Ryan, and Mo Gilligan—none of whom had successfully guessed Sloth’s true identity. As the mask was lifted, the audience and judges erupted in disbelief as Ben Fogle, best known for Channel 5’s New Lives in the Wild and the BBC’s CastAway 2000, was unveiled. Dommett quipped that not a single panelist had "come close" to guessing it was Fogle behind the mask.
Fogle, 52, took the moment in stride, beaming as he addressed the crowd. "I am so happy to have got this far. I am not a natural born singer," he confessed. He went on to explain his motivation for joining the show, saying, "We so often stereotype people... you reach a point in life where you can't take yourself too seriously. I've done this for everyone out there with an inner sloth." The presenter revealed that performing in the heavy costume was no small feat, admitting he had lost "an average of 1 kilo per song."
Speaking further about his experience, Fogle shared, "There’s something incredibly liberating about no one knowing who you are and being able to just let go. And then singing the song just now [once unmasked], I didn’t realise I had to do that… Singing the song without the mask was one of the harder things I’ve had to do in life and I’ve done some pretty big challenges. But it’s been joyous, it’s been really fun. Ridiculous. I made a commitment that if I was going to do this, I was going to go 100%. I don’t do things by halves and I think I’ve delivered." (Digital Spy)
Fans took to social media in droves to express their shock. One viewer wrote on X, "Well, I would never have guessed Ben Fogle." Another exclaimed, "Sloth is... BEN FOGLE!! Well I never. Was not expecting that!" The consensus was clear: Fogle’s participation and reveal were among the most unexpected in the show’s history. As one user summed up, "Never in a million years was I getting Ben Fogle I am SHOOK." (Manchester Evening News)
Fogle’s journey on The Masked Singer was a personal one, rooted in his desire to challenge both himself and public perceptions. Known for braving the elements in remote corners of the globe—whether rowing the Atlantic, crossing Antarctica, or climbing Mount Everest—Fogle has built a reputation as an adventurer. But singing on national television, hidden behind a comical costume, was a different kind of challenge. As he put it, "I’ve never done any singing but I really loved doing it." (Digital Spy)
His time on New Lives in the Wild has seen him travel from Australia and Alaska to the Himalayan Foothills in India, meeting people who have chosen to break free from convention. Reflecting on his experiences, Fogle once said on Instagram, "I love the way they embraced life with their irrepressible optimism, hope and dreams despite some challenging setbacks. Each of our stories in this series are so wildly different, the one thread is determination to break free from convention and live their own lives." It’s a sentiment that clearly resonates with his decision to don the Sloth mask and take to the stage.
The semi-final episode was packed with drama beyond Fogle’s reveal. The night featured a double elimination, with Can of Worms also being unmasked after a performance of John Legend’s "Ordinary People." This time, panelist Mo Gilligan’s hunch proved correct as the mask came off to reveal JLS singer Marvin Humes. Humes, who has also co-hosted The Voice UK and appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, reflected on the unique experience, saying, "I’m used to being with three other guys on stage and that’s quite a comfort. A bit of security. Although I’m completely masked, it’s still been quite strange being out on my own singing. Which I’ve enjoyed, and even when the mask came off, I fully enjoyed it. So for me, it was nice doing something by myself where singing was concerned." (Daily Mail)
The semi-final also confirmed the three acts moving on to the grand finale: Toastie, Conkers, and Moth. The final showdown is set for February 14, 2026, at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX, promising more surprises and one last round of feverish speculation as fans try to guess who’s behind the remaining masks.
This season has seen its fair share of memorable unmaskings. Earlier, Red Panda was revealed to be comedian Harry Hill after narrowly missing out on the semi-finals, much to the delight and astonishment of fans. Other celebrities unmasked in previous episodes include Alex Jones, Professor Green, John Lydon, Marcella Detroit, Anton Du Beke, and Kate Nash, showcasing the show’s knack for assembling an eclectic and unpredictable cast.
As the curtain falls on Ben Fogle’s time as Sloth, his journey stands as a reminder of the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone—and the joy that can come from embracing the unexpected. The Masked Singer UK continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, music, and surprise, setting the stage for what promises to be a finale to remember.