The latest episode of ITV's The Masked Singer UK served up a piping hot surprise that left audiences across the nation utterly floored. In a reveal that has been dubbed one of the show's most shocking, the eccentric Teabag costume was removed to uncover rapper Professor Green, whose real name is Stephen Paul Manderson.
A Steamy Performance Ends in Surprise Elimination
The surreal Saturday night entertainment show returned on Sunday, 4th January 2026, introducing six bizarre new characters. Conkers, Arctic Fox, Toastie, Monkey Business, Teabag, and Yak all performed for the first time in front of the regular panel, which includes Davina McCall, Maya Jama, Mo Gilligan, and Jonathan Ross.
Despite a valiant effort, Teabag found themselves in the bottom two alongside Yak. The judging panel ultimately chose to save Yak, sealing Teabag's fate and triggering the unmasking ceremony hosted by Joel Dommett.
"I Should Have Known!" - Judge's Personal Connection
The reveal was a particular shock for judge Maya Jama, who is a close friend of the rapper. She expressed her astonishment, admitting she had spoken to him just four days prior to the broadcast and had no idea he was the person inside the costume.
After the mask came off, Professor Green said, "It was nice being able to hide behind a mask and be silly." He confessed to feeling nervous about taking part but was pleased to have successfully tricked the panel and the public with his disguised performance.
Social Media Erupts in Disbelief
The unmasking sent shockwaves across social media platforms, with fans struggling to process the unexpected celebrity. On X (formerly Twitter), viewers shared their stunned reactions in real-time.
One fan wrote, "I love a good 'YOU WHAT?!?!' reveal. Like what do you mean professor green was a teabag." Another exclaimed, "PROFESSOR GREEN WTF," capturing the widespread sentiment of disbelief.
Further reactions poured in, with comments like, "Wow, I never would have guessed it was Professor Green," and "PROFESSOR GREEN?! WHAT?! I used to be a big fan of him but never would've guessed him in a million years!!" The surprise was so profound that some viewers even called for his return in a potential all-stars series.
This elimination follows the first episode's reveal, where Alex Jones from The One Show was unmasked as the Disc Jockey after performing Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club'. Jones described the experience as "the most bizarre of my life" but said she took part for fun and for her children.
With Teabag now out of the competition, the remaining five costumes will return next week, leaving viewers to wonder what other major celebrities are hiding in plain sight behind the show's outlandish disguises.
