ITV’s The Masked Singer in fix row as Natalie Imbruglia wins as Panda

ITV’s The Masked Singer is facing a huge backlash after Natalie Imbruglia was unmasked as Panda and won the final of the hit Saturday night show.

The Australian singer, 47, beat Charlotte Church as Mushroom in the close race to be crowned winner, and fought off stiff competition from Westlife’s Mark Feehily who came in third place after being unmasked as Robobunny.

However, the Torn hitmaker failed to make an impact on viewers at home, with many taking to Twitter after she won on Saturday to complain she wasn’t the best contestant, and suggested it was a fix.

“Panda was absolutely amazing but not the best. Fix! #TheMaskedSinger #TheMaskedSingerUK,” one complained.

“Absolute fix #TheMaskedSinger,” another agreed.

Viewers were furious Natalie had been crowned winner (ITV)

She was congratulated by host Joel, who said she was his 'biggest crush' (ITV)

“How anybody in that audience thinks Panda is a better singer than Robobunny or Mushroom is beyond me? Mushroom absolutely robbed. Has to be a fix. #MaskedSingerUK,” a third chimed in.

“Well that’s me changing the channel now! Absolute boll**ks that panda won against robo bunny and mushroom, your audience needs looking at!!! Clearly a fix! What a waste of an evening !! #MaskedSingerUK,” another added.

Charlotte was unmasked as Mushroom (ITV)

Eagle-eyed fans had speculated it was Aussie singer Natalie who was Panda after it was confirmed she was set to appear on The Graham Norton Show next week.

Speaking to host Joel Dommett following her surprise win, the former Neighbours star said she adopted an American accent to fool the audience and judges.

“I just loved being Panda. When I put the costume on I would just become Panda. I stayed in an American accent the whole time so if I sound weird that's because I have been flipping,” Natalie explained.

Westlife's Mark Feehily was unveiled as Robobunny (ITV)

“I just had so much fun. I made friends with a traffic cone and a mushroom. This is an amazing show and I am thrilled to have been a part of it,” she added.

Natalie performed Taylor Swift ’s hit Blank Space in the final, as well as One Direction’s hit Story of My Life, while Charlotte flexed her operatic voice as she sang the Flower Duet from Leo Delibes' opera Lakme, followed by Demi Lovato’s hit Stone Cold.