Ainsley Harriott says keeping Masked Singer appearance secret was 'difficult'

25 December 2023 , 21:01

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The judges did not guess that Ainsley Harriott was behind the mask

Regular dog walkers on Wandsworth Common probably guessed last night’s Masked Singer winner, even if the judges failed to.

TV chef Ainsley Harriott practised his performance as Partridge (in a pear tree) while walking his Labrador Bobby, which he admits risked giving the game away.

“It was difficult to keep it a secret,” said the chatty host. “Especially when I’m walking around the house or I take my dog for a walk on the common, and sing It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas. Everyone’s kind of looking at me, like ‘It’s a bit early for that’. I mean, you’re trying to keep it to yourself, but you’ve got to practise somewhere!”

Ainsley Harriott was disguised as Partridge (in a pear tree) (ITV)

The judges came close with Davina McCall ’s chef guess – James Martin – but went off on a tangent of cricketers, failing to identify the star. Ready Steady Cook favourite Ainsley, 66, was inspired to take on the challenge in honour of his late father Chester, who died in 2013.

“My father was an entertainer and when you grow up with that, it’s in your genes,” he says. “I loved the idea of coming on, especially on such an important day, Christmas Day, and being able to perform for everybody. I think that’s why I did it. It’s in the blood.”

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The Masked Singer Christmas Special is available to watch on ITVX (though it’s probably a bit spoilt now!).

Ashleigh Rainbird