The speculation surrounding the celebrity behind the Bear character on ITV's popular show, The Masked Singer, has reached fever pitch as the series continues its fifth season. Each week, viewers are treated to performances by various contestants, including still-masked personalities like Wolf, Snail, Bush, Kingfisher, Bear, Dressed Crab, and Pufferfish, but none have sparked as much intrigue as Bear.
After the unmasking of familiar faces like Kate Garraway and Prue Leith, fans are buzzing with theories about who may be hiding under the Bear suit. Many viewers have turned their suspicions toward singer-songwriter Example, whose real name is Elliot John Gleave. This speculation is fueled by the clues provided during episodes, igniting discussions across social media platforms, particularly Reddit.
One enthusiastic Reddit user confidently stated, "Bear has to be Example. Looking at the visual clues, I’ve got these to fit. Other clues from Episode 2: 'Home among flowers' = partner is called Daisy. Hungry for competition = maybe referencing the Nandos rap with Ed Sheeran." This points to the way fans dissect clues, searching for connections to their favorite celebrities.
Further digging provided even more evidence for this theory. Another user recalled, "Break a leg could also be a reference to him being injured on stage," with additional insights surrounding references to 'Craven,' noting Example’s ties to Fulham Football Club and other hints like 'Pet Shop Supplies,' emphasizing his collaboration with the Pet Shop Boys.
The clues don’t stop there. Onlookers also noted Bear's height — described by the panel as quite tall — matching Example's stature as he stands at approximately 6'1" to 6'2". One impressed fan remarked, "If this is him, holy s*** is he versatile and does he have a great voice." These fans are clearly not shy about expressing their excitement and confidence.
Among the heap of clues and hidden meanings, speculation continues to ripple throughout the audience. Theories supported by visual hints, paralleled with the details of Example’s music career and viral moments, lead many social media users to believe they have figured out the singer's identity before the big reveal.
Meanwhile, the excitement isn’t limited to just Bear. After the elimination of Teeth, which revealed comedian Mel Giedroyc, fans are left attempting to connect the dots on their beloved returning characters. This leads to even more guessing games surrounding who might be behind Pufferfish and other characters as they await their unmasking.
Fans have thrown around names like Shona McGarty and Jacqueline Jossa for Pufferfish, positioning celebrities from across the UK television spectrum under the spotlight. Posts on X and other social channels brim with increased buzz each week as more names and potential identities emerge through word-of-mouth and viral lists.
With so much speculation bubbling, it’s clear the rivalry for winner is fierce. The remaining celebrities vying for audience votes include Wolf, Snail, Bush, Kingfisher, Bear, Dressed Crab, and Pufferfish. The Masked Singer airs every Saturday at 7 PM on ITV1, ITV X, and STV, and viewers can expect each eventful episode to bring them closer to untangling the identities behind the masks.
With fans glued to their screens, engaging endless conversations online, and analyzing every hint, the anticipation only builds. It’s as if no detail is too obscure as groups eagerly exchange clues, each striving to come out on top by correctly guessing who is behind the mysterious masks.
At the moment, Bear remains one of the show's most tantalizing enigmas, and as the season progresses, it's only natural for more theories and speculations to arise. The future unmasking will surely deliver how much viewers are entrenched with the clues and who they believe is the real deal under the costume.