Who is Zip on The Masked Dancer? David Bowie clue may reveal hidden identity

The jury's still out as to Zip's identity but we at RadioTimes.com have rounded up all the clues as to who could be behind the groovy costume.

The front-runner is currently Take That superstar Howard Donald - and if we're being honest, the clues are really adding up to be him now.

But, Olly Murs, Mark Wright and Nicky Bryne all have pretty convincing theories behind them, too.

Read on for all the clues, theories and guesses for The Masked Dancer contestant, Zip.

Who is Zip? Dances, songs, clues, guesses

Tearing up the dance floor is Zip. But who's behind the mask?

Songs:

• Episode one - Good Times by Chic
• Episode three - Jungle Boogie by Kool & The Gang
• Episode five - Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay
• Episode six - Use It Up & Wear It Out by Odyssey

Clues:

• Zip was spotted walking in front of a sign for jelly and whipped cream.
• Zip is a lover of disco.
• Madonna's Material Girl played in the VT.
• "Tea at The Savoy" was a key phrase used.
• "Open and shut case" was another phrase that caught everybody's attention.
• "Painting the town red, yellow, green and blue" seemed important with Davina thinking it could be a reference to a national flag.
• "I've led a funky life. It's been a rollercoaster for sure! It's been a life well-lived and I've got the trophies to show."
• "I even helped England score points," Zip said before kicking a football into a goal.
• "Reasonably Priced Car" sticker on the front of a car - Top Gear reference?
• Jonathan Ross spotted an Evel Knieval helmet
• Zip jumped off a box with "Steps" written on it during their second VT
• I've been on the circuit for a long time. This Disco diva will catch you on the flipside.
• There was a bear on stage during Zip's second performance.
• "My parents raised me up."
• Pictures of planets in the VT and one had the letters: mp written on it - a reference to The Mercury Prize?
• "I did get dropped from my first job for being late."
• "Disco Balls for Sale" sign shown in the VT.
• Zip worked with "Thin White Duke" David Bowie.
• "Us zips don't go in one direction."

"Mind the Gaps" clue:

For The Masked Dancer, we have a 'Mind the Gaps' clue for each contestant where they give us a really helpful clue - only two of the keywords are missing from the sentence.

For Zip, the clue is:

"I can let slip that I have a new job _ the _" - so make of that what you will!

Two Lies and a Truth clue:

• "My eye colour has influenced my career."
• "Who is Zip? It's not the only elephant in the room."
• "I earned my bread and butter behind the scenes."

Word Up clue:

Zip's undisguised word was: "Geraldine."

Guesses:

• Mark Wright
• Judge Rinder
• RuPaul
• Nigel Farage
• Trevor Nelson
• Dermot O'Leary
• Chris Evans
• Idris Elba
• Frank Skinner
• KSI
• Olly Murs
• Freddie Flintoff
• Paddy McGuiness
• Howard Donald
• Jay Kay
• Nicky Byrne
• Shane Richie
• Goldie

The Masked Dancer theories

Is Zip Howard Donald?

Viewers are convinced singer-songwriter Howard Donald is the show's Zip, with one even reaching out to Gary Barlow to get his opinion on Zip's moves.

Taking to Twitter, the fan wrote: "@GaryBarlow so have you been watching The Masked Dancer and agree with us Thatters that Zip is our very own @HowardDonald can’t disguise those moves with us ."

We're not sure Howard is the show's Zip, and he has also been accused of being Carwash.

However, one clue in particular stood out to us which made us think he was this Zip - the David Bowie reference in episode five's package could hint at Howard's son, who is also called Bowie.

And in the semi-final, the clue pointing towards jelly and whipped cream was just too obvious to ignore. Way back in 1992, Take That emerged on to the scene with their quite-frankly outrageous music video for hit single Do What U Like, which saw all five members of the boy band clad in leather while rolling around a studio covered in jelly and whipped cream. If that isn't the biggest clue we're watching Howard on stage, then we're all out of options.

Is Zip Jay Kay?

Some fans think Jamiroquai's Jay is behind the mask after Zip's second performance.

Taking to Twitter, one wrote: "This is giving me Jay Kay Vibes #TheMaskedDancer" one viewer wrote.

Another added: "I think Zip is Jay Kay #TheMaskedDancer."

Jay Kay, is that you?

Is Zip Olly Murs?

Another name who has been mentioned a few times on The Masked shows is Olly Murs and now Oti Mabuse thinks he could be on the show as Zip. As a singer, the musical connection is definitely there for Olly. He also takes part in Soccer Aid. Could Zip really be, Olly?

Is Zip Mark Wright?

Viewers are certain reality TV star is Mark Wright after picking up on three clues.

Mark lived in America while he was presenting for the US Extra channel and in 2011, he competed on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, which could be a nod to Zip's jungle theme performance.

He's also a DJ on Heart FM and has played at many parties in Spain over the years. Mark, we've got our eye on you!

Is Zip Judge Rinder?

We would adore it if Judge Robert Rinder was the one under the mask and despite the serious demeanour he has on his show - also on ITV which is another thing that makes us think he is a strong possibility - he has a great sense of humour and we could easily imagine him being up for a crazy show like this.

Is Zip RuPaul?

There was a certain sparkle to Zip's outfit and performance that does make us think that it could indeed be Ru Paul under the mask. Ru is best known for Ru Paul's Drag Race that is a global smash hit with numerous versions around the world - would he have the time for The Masked Dancer?

Is Zip Trevor Nelson?

Trevor certainly knows his music, but is he under the fancy zip costume? Trevor is a DJ who is currently on BBC Radio 2 and we, like Oti, think he could be talked into doing something like this - but is he capable of pulling off those moves?

Is Zip Dermot O'Leary?

Well, we all know that Dermot showcased his dancing skills numerous times back when he was the host of The X-Factor so Oti could be on the money with her guess here. Currently, he is still with ITV as a host of This Morning - surely it would not have taken much to talk him into performing?

Is Zip Chris Evans?

No not that one - although having the former Captain America on the show would be quite the coup! Mo was, of course, referring to DJ and presenter Chris Evans who currently hosts the breakfast show on Virgin Radio. We still remember him best from The Big Breakfast and TFI Friday - two Channel 4 classics.

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Is Zip Idris Elba?

Idris Elba is one of the finest actors in the UK and he has appeared in homegrown shows like Luther and many a hit movie over the years. We don't doubt that he would be up for something fun like this, but his musical tastes don't appear to include disco - his film Yardie being quite musical but far from disco-themed so we think - like Mo did - we can rule him out.

The Masked Dancer is on ITV daily except Wednesday, 2nd June, at 7pm and ITV Hub. For something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our dedicated Entertainment hub.