Anton Du Beke Unmasked as Arctic Fox on The Masked Singer
A beloved figure from the world of ballroom dancing, Anton Du Beke, has been revealed as the Arctic Fox on the popular ITV singing competition, The Masked Singer. The news broke on January 24, 2026, sending shockwaves through fans of both Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer.
The 59-year-old television star, best known as a judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, secretly joined the ITV guessing game, captivating audiences with his performances. Judges Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, and guest panellist Perrie Edwards, all attempted to decipher the identity behind the Arctic Fox costume following a performance of Barbra Streisand’s “Woman in Love.”
Immediately after his elimination, Du Beke expressed his enjoyment of the experience. “I’ve loved every second of it, it’s been the most wonderful thing so thank you!” he told host Joel Dommett.
Despite feeling “devastated naturally” to be voted off, Du Beke also expressed delight at having had the opportunity to perform. The Strictly judge revealed a heartwarming reason for his participation: to surprise his children. He explained that he is a “huge fan” of the show and wanted to create a memorable moment for his eight-year-old twins and his wife, Hannah Summers.
“Well it’s such a lovely show,” Du Beke shared. “And it’s been going a while, I wondered why no-one ever asked me before! They have, I just haven’t had the time. It’s a lovely show, wonderfully done, it’s a great show. And the thought of doing this and people trying to guess who you are…”
Du Beke successfully kept his involvement a secret from his children, telling them he was attending rehearsals when he was actually preparing for The Masked Singer. “They said where are you going daddy and I’ve just said I’ve got rehearsal. So I haven’t told them I’m on the show. So when they see the unveiling they are going to be overwhelmed. It’s going to be brilliant!”
The performance experience itself was also a highlight for Du Beke, who relished the opportunity to work with vocal coaches and perform songs by artists like Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Hadley.
His exit came during a double elimination, following the reveal of singer Kate Nash as Monkey Business, who performed “As Long As He Needs Me” from Oliver!. Nash described the experience as “unique,” noting the comfort of performing behind a mask. “It’s like a little comfort zone, you’re not worrying about anything else when you’re in there. It was a unique experience, it’s going to be hard to give her up.”
Du Beke, known for his judging role on Strictly Come Dancing alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Motsi Mabuse, ultimately found joy in the playful mystery of The Masked Singer, and the anticipation of his children’s reaction. He concluded, “I’ve had such fun. It’s been brilliant fun and that’s what I’m going to take away really.”
