Example reveals real reason he signed up for Masked Singer after fans branded his surprise appearance a ‘s**t choice’
EXAMPLE has spoken out after being slammed for his appearance on The Masked Singer.
The Kickstarts singer was revealed to be Bear on Saturday night’s episode of the ITV guessing game in a brutal double unmasking.
Real name Elliot Gleave, Example’s reveal came as a shock for dans who didn’t understand why he decided to do the show in the first place.
But he was armed and ready with a response when one fan wrote on instagram: “Never had you down as someone that would get involved in that absolute s**t show.”
Example responded: “My kids told me to do it. And I love performing. And they pay you.”
The singer, whose hits include Stay Awake and Changed The Way You Kiss Me, has two sons – 10-year-old Evander and seven-year-old, Ennio.
While performing as Bear, tried to win over the judges by singing Tender by Blur, Pick a Pocket or Two from the musical Oliver, and Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy).
After his reveal, he shared behind-the-scenes pictures of the show on Instagram, and wrote: “Thank you to all my team behind the scenes for this experience. I had no idea how much fun it would be.
“All the production crew and costume gang and vocal coaches. What a wonderful bunch of human beings. You became my family for a few weeks when mine was on the other side of the world.”
“Shout out my brother @mothecomedian for guessing it was me from the way I stand . And shout out my buddy @mayajama for knowing my initials ,” he continued.
“Shout out @davinamccall for the longevity and shout out Wossy for never having asked me to come on his chat show .
“And my old mate @joeldommett – was so strange standing so close to you every night and wondering if you knew it was me under there .”
He finished with a cheeky swipe at a controversial reveal from earlier in the series, and signed off: “Would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is offered it. Especially Macy Gray.”
Macy Gray caused a stir on the show when she stormed off set after being told she was eliminated.
At the time of her reveal, she had been appearing as Toad in the Hole, and it took more than an hour for her to be coerced back on stage to be officially unmasked.
After that she gave only one-word answers before signing off from the series.
The Masked Singer continues Saturdays on ITV.
Who has left The Masked Singer 2025 so far?
Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer is back in 2025.
Twelve celebrities have been hidden behind intricate costumes, with their identities concealed.
Sadly, not all of this year’s whacky and wonderful characters can make it to the end of the show, as there can only be one winner.
Here’s who has been unmasked so far:
Bush – she didn’t fool viewers and the judges were so close, but Bush was in fact EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. Davina McCall came closest, guessing Morgana Robinson, who does a mean impression of the Sonia actress
Bear – another success for new judge Maya Jama as she guessed correctly that the singing Bear was none other than singer, songwriter Example – real name Elliot Gleave
Snail – this singer certainly fooled the judges as the mask was lifted to reveal Andrea Corr. Jonathan Ross admitted to being a huge fan of The Corrs
Kingfisher – everyone was convinced this was Harry Hill, but the mask was lifted to reveal artist Sir Grayson Perry, who is known for his alter-ego Claire
Teeth – this character baffled judges and viewers with their changing voice. They were finally unmasked as former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc. None of the panel managed to guess it was her
Tattoo – despite Davina McCall saying “you sound the same” after this character was unmasked, none of the judges guessed it was 80s singer Carol Decker, whose hit China In Your Hand was a No1 hit for five weeks
Toad In The Hole – a massive diva strop saw the character storm off the stage after the judges voted them off. They later returned to be unmasked as singer Macy Gray
Pegasus – the mythical horse was revealed to be Prue Leith, with judge Jonathan Ross correctly guessing her identity
Spag Bol – this character was first to be unmasked and was none other than Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.
Plus there was one extra unmasking this season, with Giant Joel – a caricature of host Joel Dommett – unveiled as double-double Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.