Masked Singer Fans Zero In On Gargoyle’s Identity

The seventh series of The Masked Singer reached new heights of intrigue and speculation on January 17, 2026, as the enigmatic Gargoyle character took the stage once again on ITV. With each passing week, the guessing game has intensified, and this episode was no exception. Gargoyle’s latest performance, coupled with a slew of cryptic clues, sent fans and experts alike into a frenzy of theories, with the debate over the celebrity behind the mask reaching a fever pitch.

Gargoyle, decked out in a striking tartan dress, black leather jacket, green mohawk, and a bevy of piercings, has captivated audiences not just with their vocal prowess but also with an elaborate persona. During this episode, Gargoyle delivered a rousing performance of Scissor Sisters’ “Filthy/Gorgeous,” showcasing a range and energy that only deepened the mystery. But it was the clues—both overt and subtle—that truly set social media alight.

Among the most talked-about hints were the presence of an anarchy symbol and the year 1976, both prominently displayed during Gargoyle’s appearances. A calendar marked with January 13th, a brochure titled ‘Long Summer Break Holidays,’ and a framed photo of Sally from Coronation Street rounded out the collection of tantalizing details. Gargoyle also described themselves as having “spread their wings from an early age” and insisted, “I cross many styles – you can’t pigeon hole me.”

As is tradition with The Masked Singer, the judges—Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and guest Ben Shephard—offered their own wild guesses. This time, names like Joan Jett, Cheryl Baker, Debbie McGee, and Alesha Dixon were thrown into the ring. Maya was quick to latch onto a scene of Gargoyle styling a mannequin’s hair, suggesting a penchant for changing hairstyles, while Mo speculated about a possible band connection after Gargoyle called themselves a “one-gargoyle-band.”

However, it was the viewers at home who became the true detectives of the night. On social media platforms like Reddit and X, fans meticulously pieced together the clues, drawing connections that seemed to elude the panel. According to ChronicleLive, the overwhelming consensus among dedicated followers is that Gargoyle is none other than Marcella Detroit, the 73-year-old singer best known as one half of the 1990s duo Shakespears Sister.

One particularly observant Reddit user broke down the evidence: “The voice fits, as she’s known for her high-pitched vocals. She put a photo of Sally Webster face down on a table, and Marcella co-wrote the song ‘Lay Down Sally’ with Eric Clapton. She also worked on his 1976 album ‘No Reason To Cry.’ (Sally and 1976 being clues).” The same fan noted, “She talked about not being pigeon holed, which makes sense for Marcella because she was ‘pigeon holed’ as a backing singer for big stars before joining Siobhan Fahey in Shakespears Sister, with Siobhan even suggesting Marcella change her name to give herself a new lease of life and leaving the backing singer life behind. (She was born Marcy Levy—Marcella Detroit being a stage name).”

The January 13th clue also proved pivotal. As fans pointed out, Shakespears Sister’s biggest hit, “Stay,” was released on January 13, 1992—a detail that only strengthened the case for Marcella Detroit. One fan commented, “The January 13 clue made me certain,” while another exclaimed, “I think you’ve just nailed this right on the head!”

Despite the mounting evidence, the panelists remained unconvinced, with none naming Marcella Detroit as their top pick. Instead, their guesses veered toward other potential candidates, including Toyah Wilcox. This alternative theory found some traction online as well, particularly among fans who noted Toyah’s late 1970s music career and her recent appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. “Gargoyle is Toyah,” one user insisted, while another echoed, “Gargoyle - Toyah Wilcox.”

Toyah Wilcox, for her part, is known for fronting the band Toyah and for a string of top 40 singles. Her inclusion in the speculation highlights the layered nature of the clues, which seem to reference both musical versatility and connections to British pop culture. The mannequin hair-styling scene, for example, could allude to Toyah’s ever-changing style, while the “one-gargoyle-band” comment hints at her solo and band work alike.

Yet, the Marcella Detroit theory continues to dominate the conversation. The connection to “Lay Down Sally” (with the Sally photo as a visual clue), her work with Eric Clapton in 1976, and the unmistakable high-pitched vocals all seem to point in one direction. According to Mirror, fans are “certain” that the answer has been “nailed,” and the overlooked clues by the panel have only galvanized viewers’ confidence.

Meanwhile, the show itself continues to delight and surprise. Previous episodes this series have seen the unmasking of Alex Jones as Disc Jockey and John Lydon as Yak—a testament to the show’s ability to keep audiences guessing right up to the big reveal. As John Lydon said after his unmasking, “For me, I hope the fun comes across. Rather than going up there and doing sing along and guessing who I am straight away, I thought, show the other side of me. An absolute funstar. I’m the court jester by nature. It’s just the way it is.”

With millions tuning in each week and social media buzzing with speculation, The Masked Singer remains a cultural phenomenon. The show’s unique blend of music, mystery, and celebrity has turned viewers into amateur sleuths, eager to crack the code before the judges do. The Gargoyle saga, in particular, has captured the imagination of the public, with every clue dissected and every performance analyzed for hidden meaning.

As the competition moves forward, the question remains: Will the panel finally catch up with the fans, or will the big reveal once again leave everyone stunned? For now, the mystery endures, and the guessing game continues—much to the delight of audiences across the UK.