Fans of the Masked Singer were stunned on Saturday evening when US songstress Macy Gray was unveiled as Toad In The Hole.
However, her exit from the show was far caused even more shockwaves as she seemingly refused to take off her mask in baffling scenes never seen before on the ITV family show. Viewers watched as Macy walked off stage after the panel decided to save Bear in the final vote.
Now that the episode has aired, revelations about the dramatic behind the scenes goings on have been revealed - including how producers spent close to an hour trying to convince the 57-year-old star to return and reveal her identity to perform her final tune.
The singer was said to have been 'fuming' at being chosen to leave the show so early after previously appearing on the American version of the hit ITV show.
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ITV)A source told The Sun Macy was "totally blindsided" at the decision after it was announced by presenter Joel Dommett. "When Macy stormed off stage everyone was frozen in shock but as soon as she reached backstage, crew removed her mask so they could talk her down," the insider claimed.
"Macy was almost shellshocked to start with and was basically gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version - when obviously she did brilliantly - so was totally blindsided. It was the shock of it for her as well as the upset and in that moment she had a very raw, human reaction and wanted out."
They added her reaction showed how badly she felt over the situation. They went on to say that while the show has no indication of her talent and is just a bit of fun, it was a shock to they system. "It took everyone backstage ages to talk her round and poor Joel was on stage essentially doing a stand-up routine to try and keep things under control," the source claimed.
Despite the frantic scenes on stage, not everything was shown to the audience at home. While a shot of the panel's shocked faces was aired, the frantic backstage scramble was kept secret.
Following the carnage, Jonathan Ross was praised for his response. TV presenter Jonathan had told her she had only been voted off because the panel were 'pretty certain' they knew who she was due to her distinctive voice.
Jonathan took control of the situation and tried to calm the singer down by asking about the clues they had heard. He also asked about one of her tracks that appeared in the movie Shrek, to which Macy flatly said she couldn't remember.
Jonathan continued to push for a successful interview with the disgruntled star, who was only giving short and snappy responses. "I've been around a long time and now I'm a toad," said the singer. Jonathan attempted to lighten the mood by saying he was sorry Macy was appearing on the show while host Joel was showing off his legs in a holiday outfit.
Fans online praised Jonathan for his "professional" approach to the situation. One user on Twitter/X said: "Outstanding from Ross when the rest of the panel completely clammed up, consummate professional," while another agreed, adding: "Thank god for the utter professional Mr Ross you saved the day while the other judges hid away."
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English (US) ·