Can Of Worms Sparks Frenzy On The Masked Singer

The seventh series of ITV's hit reality show The Masked Singer is in full swing this January, and fans across the UK are once again glued to their screens, trying to decipher the identities lurking beneath the show's famously elaborate costumes. With four celebrities already unmasked and eight mysterious characters remaining, the guessing game has reached fever pitch—especially when it comes to one standout contestant: Can of Worms.

Since the series kicked off on January 3, 2026, viewers have been treated to a parade of dazzling performances and cryptic clue packages. The first batch of celebrities to be revealed included The One Show's Alex Jones as Disc Jockey and rapper Professor Green as Teabag. They were soon followed by punk icon John Lydon as Yak and singer-songwriter Marcella Detroit as Gargoyle. Now, the competition is heating up, with eight costumed contestants left: Arctic Fox, Can of Worms, Conkers, Monkey Business, Moth, Red Panda, Sloth, and Toastie.

Yet, it’s Can of Worms who has truly captured the imagination of the show's loyal fanbase. Social media platforms have been abuzz with speculation, and a growing number of viewers are convinced that the clues point to none other than British rapper Tinie Tempah. According to Express, one particularly eagle-eyed Reddit user has pieced together a compelling case, drawing on a series of clues dropped throughout the show.

First up is the cryptic reference to "plants that make music." The fan suggested this could be a nod to a remix Tinie Tempah did of Lily Allen's song "Can't Knock 'Em Out"—Lily Allen, of course, having a plant in her name. While the user admitted, "I found it on YouTube when I was googling during the episode haha. Only, I can't find anything about this remix anywhere else, so I'm not sure if it was an official release," the connection still sparked plenty of debate online.

Another clue, "written in the stars," seemed to be a direct wink to Tinie Tempah's 2010 chart-topping hit of the same name, featuring Eric Turner. And when a chipmunk appeared in the clue package, fans were quick to recall Tinie's collaboration with rapper Chip—formerly known as Chipmunk—on the track "Game Over." The appearance of a "naughty step" in the visuals was also pounced upon by sharp-eyed viewers, as Tinie Tempah has a song titled "Welcome To Cabana" with producer Naughty Boy.

But the clues didn’t stop there. Can of Worms also mentioned "bring on the soul," which many believe refers to Tinie Tempah's hip-hop-inspired fried chicken and soul food company, RAPS. As the fan explained, "The viewer also noted that Can of Worms quoting 'bring on the soul' could relate to Tinie's hip-hop-inspired fried chicken and soul food company called RAPS." The character's fondness for relaxing with a bookworm was also flagged, aligning neatly with Tinie's autobiography, My Story So Far, published in 2011.

Adding to the intrigue, Can of Worms referenced "Trade Show" in their first clue package. The Redditor wrapped up their theory by noting, "He also said 'Trade Show' in the first clue package—he's performed at quite a few trade shows and corporate events." Each of these hints has only fueled the online frenzy, with fans poring over Tinie Tempah's career for more connections.

Of course, not everyone is convinced. While Tinie Tempah has emerged as the front-runner in the fan theories, plenty of other names have been thrown into the ring. Some believe JLS star Marvin Humes could be behind the mask, while the panel of judges—Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama—have speculated about celebrities ranging from Robbie Williams to Ben Shephard and Paul Whitehouse.

Can of Worms made a memorable debut on the show's opening night, performing "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast. The character then returned for the Halloween-themed special, belting out "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr., which aired the weekend before January 23. Both performances have kept fans guessing, with many admitting that they haven't quite been able to pin down the voice—a fact that has only added to the suspense.

As the competition enters a new phase, anticipation is running high for the next episode, set to air on Saturday, January 24, 2026. For the first time this series, all eight remaining contestants will share the stage, merging both sides of the competition. The regular panel of judges will be joined by special guest Perrie Edwards, promising even more surprises and wild guesses as the show barrels toward its climax.

According to ITV, "The Masked Singer is available to stream on ITVX," making it easier than ever for fans to catch up on missed episodes or rewatch their favorite performances in search of fresh clues. The show’s unique blend of music, mystery, and celebrity spectacle has cemented its place as one of the most unpredictable and entertaining programs on British television.

What is it about The Masked Singer that keeps drawing in millions of viewers each season? Perhaps it's the thrill of the chase, the joy of seeing celebrities step out of their comfort zones, or the camaraderie that develops among fans as they pool their collective detective skills. The guessing game has become a communal event, with social media acting as a virtual living room where theories are swapped and clues dissected in real time.

For Tinie Tempah, if he is indeed the man behind the Can of Worms mask, the experience would mark yet another surprising chapter in a career full of reinventions. From chart-topping singles and high-profile collaborations to entrepreneurial ventures like RAPS and publishing his autobiography, Tinie has consistently proven he's more than just a rapper—he's a bona fide entertainer. But until the mask comes off, the speculation will continue to swirl.

With the remaining eight contestants preparing to battle it out and the stakes higher than ever, the only certainty is that more surprises are on the horizon. Whether Can of Worms is Tinie Tempah, Marvin Humes, or another celebrity entirely, one thing is clear: The Masked Singer continues to deliver the kind of unpredictable, joyous entertainment that keeps viewers coming back week after week, eager for the next big reveal.

As Saturday's episode approaches, fans will no doubt be sharpening their pencils, ready to jot down every new clue and performance. For now, all eyes remain on Can of Worms—and the question on everyone's lips: who is really behind the mask?