The Masked Singer Unveils Can of Worms: Clues, Theories, and Speculation

The 2026 season of The Masked Singer has kicked off on ITV, featuring an eclectic mix of extravagant costumes and captivating performances. Among the most intriguing characters is the Can of Worms, a costume that plays on the metaphor for complicated issues. Hosted by Joel Dommett, this season sees familiar faces on the judging panel, including Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama.

Maya has already declared the Can of Worms her standout act, praising its rapping skills. She remarked, “The character raps, and I was so impressed by the timekeeping of all the rapping ability of a massive can of worms! They don’t miss a beat!” This unique talent could provide key insights into the identity of the performer behind the mask.

“I don’t think the American accent was real, and I think Kaleb has a very strong accent, and we’d know it was him,” said guest judge Anne-Marie, referring to one of the clues presented.

As fans dissect the clues to uncover the true identity of Can of Worms, several hints have emerged. The character speaks with what appears to be an American accent, but there are doubts about its authenticity. A visual of pastries in their introductory video has led some to speculate a connection to breakfast television. Furthermore, the character is seen tending to a garden, saying, “Here’s my patch,” and alluding to a familial connection with gardening, stating, “As a worm, I have green fingers… it runs in the family like it was written in the stars.”

Among the notable references is a framed photo of television personalities James May and Richard Hammond, hinting at a potential connection to shows like Top Gear or Clarkson’s Farm. Additionally, the character mentions challenges faced in dealing with wildlife, adding another layer of complexity to the clues.

Several theories regarding the identity of Can of Worms have emerged. One prominent guess is Kaleb Cooper, a figure associated with farming. Despite describing the costume as “repulsive,” Jonathan Ross acknowledged that the performance had won him over, suggesting that the performer could be someone with notable singing abilities. Guest judge Anne-Marie’s speculation about Cooper has gained traction, particularly with the farming references.

Another contender is Robbie Williams, with Davina noting the mention of “Stoke,” his birthplace. She linked this to his entertainer father, suggesting that family connections could play a role in the clues.

Comedian Paul Whitehouse has also been considered, as Mo Gilligan pointed out the fishing-related aspects of the costume. Ross noted that Whitehouse has an impressive singing background, citing his experience in the West End.

Finally, Ben Shephard, known for his role on daytime television, has been suggested due to the breakfast clues. Maya believes the character’s voice closely resembles that of the This Morning host. Fan theories on social media echo this sentiment, with one user confidently stating, “If Can of Worms isn’t @benshephard I will eat my hat!”

As the season progresses, viewers can expect more revelations and performances from Can of Worms, keeping audiences guessing about the identity behind the mask. The Masked Singer continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX, offering a mix of entertainment and mystery that captivates fans worldwide.