Footballing legend Michael Owen has apologised to his fans for "burning" their ears with his performances on The Masked Singer.
In the latest instalment of the weird and wonderful ITV singing show, the former Manchester United and Liverpool striker was revealed to be behind the mask of Doughnuts and was sent home after six rounds of the competition.
The 42-year-old pundit was the second celebrity of the night to be voted off, as last night's episode featured a double elimination - the first of which was none other than actress Jaime Winstone, daughter of cockney acting legend Ray.
Read more: The Masked Singer gets rule change to prevent people guessing singer's identities
The Manchester Evening News reports that after rapping 'Everybody Get Up' by boyband Five, Michael Owen was voted off and quickly took to Twitter to issue an apology to fans.
The tweet read: "Finally I can apologise for burning your ears these last few weeks.
"My kids badgered me into doing @MaskedSingerUK but I have to say it was a great experience and a whole lot of fun.
"Still can't believe I got past round one!"
Fans were shocked to see that he was behind the Doughnuts mask and shared their thoughts on Twitter.
@aeg1293 tweeted: "Naaaah I was convinced Michael Owen would never have done The Masked Singer, never mind dressed as doughnuts!"
@HarryFan4Life_ said: "Never thought I'd see the day where you'd have Michael Owen dressed as doughnuts singing everybody get up by Five on TV."
And @PheebsVyse commented: "Hahahaha made my year that #maskedsinger #donut #michaelowen."
Replying to his 'apology' @RedDevilWazza said: "Your voice was just so clearly you, it’s been fun laughing at the people who couldn’t tell it was you!
"Well done Michael, think you probably won a few new fans as you were a good laugh."
It wasn't just the hit from Five that got the 'Doughnuts' treatment, however. During his time on the show, the former footballer also covered 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor, 'Spice Up Your Life' by the Spice Girls and even a hit many a footie fan would sing in the stands - 'Sweet Caroline'.
He later even thanked fans for the reaction to his appearance on the show, dubbing himself "the worst singer to ever appear on the show" and saying he was "petrified".
@LauraGarside told him: "Spice up your Life was the TV highlight of the year!"
And @_dave_heron replied: "Hahahaaaa! I loved your performances each week! Me and Mam were really entertained by you! "You sang her Favourite Neil Diamond Song!
"Still smile watching your Spice Up your Life performance! Fair play! I enjoyed you each week!"
The Masked Singer returns on Saturday, February 5 at 7pm on ITV.
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