Jonathan Ross, a judge on The Masked Singer UK, has been lauded by ITV viewers for defusing an awkward situation during the most recent episode.
The incident occurred when American R&B artist Macy Gray, who was disguised as Toad in the Hole, had to be persuaded to return to the stage for her unmasking. This followed her initial exit from the stage upon learning she would not progress to the next round of the competition.
After competing against Bear in a sing-off, Jonathan informed Macy that the judges had chosen to eliminate her because they were “pretty certain” of her identity and were “desperate” to confirm their suspicions.
However, Macy’s reaction to the news was less than positive, leading to her abrupt departure from the stage. This left host Joel Dommett and the panel of judges visibly perplexed about how to proceed with the show.
Jonathan Ross was praised
(Image: ITV)
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Eventually, Joel announced that Toad would return to the stage for the reveal. Once Macy removed her mask, Joel attempted to engage her in conversation about her experience on the show, reports the Manchester Evening News.
However, viewers noted that the singer seemed rather disappointed with the outcome. When asked by Joel if she enjoyed her time on the show, Macy simply responded: “Yeah”.
Some viewers labelled her a ‘sore loser’, noting her apparent displeasure at being sent home.
The audience was quick to comment on Jonathan Ross’s handling of an ‘awkward’ moment in the interview with the star. Some viewers applauded the judge for his efforts in ‘rescuing’ the conversation.
During the segment, Jonathan endeavoured to engage Macy further by discussing some of the clues that had been presented during the show. He quizzed her about a possible appearance on Dancing with the Stars and about which one of her songs was featured in Shrek, to which Macy responded that she was unable to recall.
Despite Macy’s laconic replies, Jonathan persisted in his attempts to sustain the dialogue, inquiring whether it was challenging to perform with a toad’s head costume. Macy casually remarked: “I’ve been around a long time and now I’m a toad.” Jonathan then swiftly offered an apology for Joel’s informal attire he had been wearing shorts connected to a beach-themed getup.
Macy Gray was unmasked as Toad in the Hole
(Image: ITV)
Viewers took to social media to describe Jonathan as an ‘utter professional’ for diligently striving to keep the interview on track. One fan voiced appreciation, tweeting: “Jonathan Ross doing the most to keep that interview going.”
Another viewer commented: “Watching Jonathan Ross go into professional presenter mode to rescue the nightmare of a sulking Macy Gray, unexpected on a Saturday night.”
Further audience feedback included someone noting: “Outstanding from Ross when the rest of the panel completely clammed up, consummate professional.” While another agreed, saying: “Thank god for the utter professional Mr Ross you saved the day while the other judges hid away.”
One viewer commented on the recent episode, saying: “Well that was probably the most awkward unmasking to date for the #MaskedSingerUK – Macy Grey was NOT a happy Toad! And bless him Jonathon Ross just kept asking her questions!” (sic)
Another fan remarked on the host’s performance during the tense moment, adding: “As much as Johnathan Ross annoys me – he held that tense ending together very well.”
Macy, renowned for chart-topping tracks such as I Try, Still, and Sweet Baby, is familiar with the Masked Singer franchise. She participated in the Australian edition in 2021 as Atlantis and made a comeback in the US version in 2023 as a wild card contestant, securing fourth place.
The episode featured Bear delivering a rendition of Miami by Will Smith, while Bush took on Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand. Pufferfish was praised for a “stunning” cover of Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, and Wolf entertained with Barry Manilow’s Copacabana (At the Copa).
In the previous weekend’s show, celebrities Prue Leith and Kate Garraway were revealed as the season’s first unmasked participants.
The Masked Singer will return next Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.