Who is Badger on The Masked Singer?

Since Badger took to the stage on the ITV show, multiple names have been touted about from American singer Ne-Yo, right down to British gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

Cold Feet's Thomson told RadioTimes.com who he thinks the Badger could be, revealing: "Badger – they’re saying Ne-Yo. His performance physically on Saturday was one of the best."

Ne-Yo is also the bookies' favourite, with Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom saying, "Ne-Yo is the current 11/10 favourite to be Badger, followed by Peter Andre at 2/1 and Adam Lambert at 3/1 - but having concealed themselves so well, the unmasking will come as a surprise to everybody come Saturday night. "

Good Morning Britain host Ben Shepherd has also been grilled over rumours he could be the show's Badger.

And just days before the final, a new guess was thrown into the mix in the form of former Hollyoaks star Will Mellor.

So who could be behind the mask? And will they be able to beat the likes of Sausage and Robin to be crowned this year's winner?

As we get one step closer to finding out exactly who Badger is, here's all the clues, theories and guesses we gathered along the way.

Who is Badger? Songs, clues, guesses

Songs:

Week One - Feeling Good by Michael Bublé

Week Three - I Don't Want to Miss A Thing by Aerosmith

Week Six - Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus

Week Seven - Grease by Frankie Valli and Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Clues:

• Used to being anonymous.
• Not easily recognised on the street.
• Possible motorbike enthusiast.
• Badger says: “I see things like a virtual world!”
• Badger said the judges will have to get up early to see who he is.
• He was "shy" when younger and kept his talent hidden.
• Once he showed what he can do, his talent "blossomed".
• An Australian cork hat was seen in his workshop.

"Two lies and one truth" clues

• "I'm good at dodging furniture."
• "When working, I'm often found in green."
• "Strictly speaking, dancing is something I'm known for."

Guesses:

• Will Young
• Brian Cox
• Alan Titchmarsh
• David Myers
• Jay Kay
• Idris Elba
• Andy Serkis
• Ne-Yo
• Ben Shepherd
• Carl Fogarty
• Will Mellor

The Masked Singer theories

Is Badger Ne-Yo?

Perhaps one of the more unusual guesses is that Badger could be US singer/songwriter Ne-Yo. Fans seem to think a lot of clues point towards the singer, known for hits including Miss Independent and Sexy Love.

In the VT, Badger said: "I see things in a virtual world" and one fan has picked up that the main character in the film The Matrix is called Neo. We can't deny, the clues do add up!

Is Badger Jay Kay from Jamiroquai?

The lead singer of Jamiroquai, who's biggest hit was Virtual Insanity, puts Jay on the list of possible Badger suspects. He strikes us as the sort who would find this amusing enough to give a go and we know that the man could sing. This could be a good guess here.

Is Badger Will Mellor?

A slightly late addition to the guesses is former Hollyoaks star Will Mellor.

Following Badger's semi-final performance, viewers are convinced Mellor could be behind the furry costume with many taking to Twitter.

"I think badger is Will Mellor, it sounds just like him," one wrote.

"So confusing tonight, badger now sounds like Will Mellor," another added.

Sharing the same sentiment, a third wrote: "Still stuck on Will Mellor for badger."

Is Badger Ben Shepherd?

The GMB presenter was recently questioned on whether he could be the show's Badger.

During a conversation with Mark Wright on Heart Radio, Shepherd said: "Are you phoning me about what I think you’re phoning me about? There's all sorts of conspiracy theories, people trying to work it out - could I be the Badger?"

Mark then said: "If you are the Badger, would you tell us live on the radio tonight?" To which, Ben said: "Of course. I couldn’t lie to you, Wrighty, how could I lie to a fellow Essex boy?"

"I don't think you would tell me, you're a true professional," replied Mark. "So the only thing I can do is ask you a few questions and let the audience decide for themselves."

Following his radio appearance, Ben took to Twitter to tease fans, writing: "First @reallorraine now @MarkWright_ and @thisisheart Gonna be honest this looks pretty damning… but is it???!?! @MaskedSingerUK."

Is Badger David Myers?

One of the guesses was one half of The Hairy Bikers and former Strictly contestant David Myers. Being on Strictly means he has no aversion to reality TV and we can see him being a good fit for a crazy show like The Masked Singer – he's a definite possibility.

Is Badger Carl Fogarty?

According to bookmakers Coral, after David Myers is former motorcycle racer and I'm a Celeb star Carl Fogarty, due to the motorbike clue. He is one of the most successful World Superbike racers of all time, after all.

Is Badger Idris Elba?

Idris is a Hollywood Star known from roles like Luther, Stringer Bell in The Wire and too many big movies to name. But he is also heavily into his music and while he is a long-shot, we would not rule him out of surprising us all by donning a mask for this series.

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Is Badger Andy Serkis?

Andy Serkis is a busy man and has appeared in all sorts of things – including as Gollum in Lord of the Rings and Ceaser in Planet of the Apes. We suspect he may not be taking to the stage as he has his hands full helming the Venom sequel, but he could still surprise us.

The Masked Singer airs Saturdays on ITV. Looking for something to watch? Find out what is on with our TV Guide.