ITV viewers have lauded The Masked Singer UK judge Jonathan Ross for ‘rescuing’ an awkward moment on stage during the latest episode.
On Saturday night, audiences saw American R&B sensation Macy Gray unveiled as the celebrity behind the Toad in the Hole mask. However, the unmasking didn’t go smoothly as Gray hesitated to return to the stage for her reveal after initially departing upon learning she wouldn’t progress to the next round.
After competing against Bear in a sing-off, Jonathan informed Gray that the judges were voting her off because they were “pretty certain” of her identity and were “desperate” to see if they were correct.
Judge Jonathan Ross was praised for ‘rescuing’ the awkward moment
(Image: ITV)
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But Macy appeared to take the news poorly, exiting the stage and leaving host Joel Dommett and the judges bewildered about the situation and whether the show could proceed.
Eventually, Joel announced that Toad would come back to the stage for the identity reveal. Once unmasked, Joel tried to engage Macy in conversation about her experience, but viewers noted the singer’s subdued response, reports the Manchester Evening News.
When asked by Joel if she enjoyed the show, Macy simply responded: “Yeah.”
Some viewers criticized her as a ‘sore loser’, observing that she seemed ‘raging’ about her elimination. “Macy Gray having a tantrum dressed as a toad on stage will go down in pop culture history,” commented one viewer.
Viewers were quick to notice Jonathan’s handling of the ‘awkward’ moment, with some praising the judge for ‘rescuing’ the interview with the star.
Toad in the Hole didn’t look happy to be voted off the show
(Image: ITV)
Jonathan tried to engage Macy by discussing the clues the panel had picked up on during the show, asking her about a possible appearance on Dancing with the Stars and a song of hers featured in Shrek, which Macy couldn’t recall.
Despite Macy’s terse responses, Jonathan persevered, questioning her about the challenges of performing in a toad costume. “I’ve been around a long time and now I’m a toad,” Macy responded nonchalantly, leading Jonathan to apologise for her having to appear while Joel was dressed in shorts for his beach holiday-themed outfit.
Fans hailed Jonathan as an ‘utter professional’ for his efforts to keep the show on track. “Jonathan Ross doing the most to keep that interview going,” remarked one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another observed: “Watching Jonathan Ross go into professional presenter mode to rescue the nightmare of a sulking Macy Gray, unexpected on a Saturday night.”
Another fan praised: “Outstanding from Ross when the rest of the panel completely clammed up, consummate professional.” And another concurred: “Thank god for the utter professional Mr Ross you saved the day while the other judges hid away.”
Toad in the Hole performing on the Masked Singer
(Image: Masked Singer UK / YouTube)
One enthusiast remarked: “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!” Meanwhile, another viewer commented: “As much as Johnathan Ross annoys me – he held that tense ending together very well.”
R&B songstress Macy Gray, celebrated for chart-topping numbers like I Try, Still, and Sweet Baby, is already familiar with The Masked Singer’s wild whirl, having participated in the show’s Australian segment in 2021 as Atlantis and then dropped into the US edition in 2023 as a wild card pick, where she impressively nabbed the fourth spot.
On an earlier note, Bear took to the stage with a rendition of Miami by Will Smith, while Bush delivered a performance of Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne. Pufferfish brought the house down with Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun, hailed as “stunning” by Maya, and Wolf gave a swinging version of Copacabana (At the Copa) by Barry Manilow.
Just last weekend, Prue Leith and Kate Garraway were revealed as the first duo of celebrities to have their hidden identities unveiled this season.
The Masked Singer continues on Saturdays on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.