Fans of the ITV singing game The Masked Singer were not at all impressed as a singing icon was sent home ahead of next week's semi-final. Viewers reacted angrily as Steps singer Claire Richards, who shot to fame with the pop band in the nineties, was voted off and ordered to unmask.
Claire had been disguised as Knitting since the hit guessing show returned to our screens for a fourth series on New Year's Day. Many fans, and celeb panellist Davina McCall, had worked out the powerful voice behind the elaborate costume early on.
But they were stunned to see Claire, whose massive hits include Deeper Shade Of Blue, Last Thing On My Mind and One For Sorrow, leaving before the final. Not only that, she received the least votes ahead of Otter, who was unmasked on the same night as comedian Daisy May Cooper.
READ MORE:
@GoldenLady1981 exclaimed on Twitter: "WTAF!!! Knitting! No way she’s the best! I am absolutely furious Claire from steps is a legend!!!" @michaelvbrownie asked: "WHAT KNITTING IS OUT?! Howwwww!" @Greg_Phillips_ said: "I still don’t understand how #knitting was voted out before #otter because Claire Richards is a much better singer." And @Lenny84808442 wrote: "Do they just put them through on costumes not singing?"
Claire, 45, says she took on the challenge because she's "a huge fan of the show." She added: "And the idea of being able to sing without anyone being able to see me is my dream come true."
She said about her character: "I loved my mask and outfit, she was so pink and cuddly. She’s just like everyone's favourite Nana!" Claire continued: "When we were looking at ideas she really stood out as it felt like it was perfect for me. I love crafting and I love pink and I felt like she would be just like me, character-wise."
Next week Jellyfish, Fawn, Jacket Potato, Phoenix and Rhino will battle it out in the semi-final. The Masked Singer, Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1 & ITVX
READ NEXT:
Happy Valley star James Norton sums up the finale in six words
Happy Valley's James Norton shares gruesome Tommy Lee Royce snaps ahead of Sunday night's finale
Happy Valley viewers come up with "belting idea" to help fans cope after the finale
- Helen Flanagan says 'I don't need anyone' as she strips to underwear and writes own card ahead of Valentine's Day
