Keisha Buchanan unmasked as Moth and wins The Masked Singer UK 2026
Keisha Buchanan was revealed as Moth and crowned the winner of The Masked Singer UK on 14 February 2026 (ET), taking victory over Conkers and Toastie in the series finale. The former noughties girlband star walked off the stage with the trophy after a night of show-stopping performances and surprised reactions from the panel.
Moth revealed: a surprise coronation
The final three masks—Moth, Conkers and Toastie—delivered a trio of high-energy sets before the winner was announced. When Moth removed the costume, the identity of Keisha Buchanan was met with cheers from the audience and visible astonishment from the judging panel. Buchanan, a well-known figure from the early 2000s pop scene, spoke about the intensity of performing under disguise. She described the experience as "grueling but beautiful, " noting that tackling songs outside her usual repertoire, including a Whitney Houston number and an Aerosmith track, pushed her out of her comfort zone.
Her decision to sing such varied material was framed as a deliberate challenge: Whitney’s catalogue carried emotional weight for her, while the rock-leaning choice required a different kind of vocal and stylistic stretch. That risk helped define Moth’s run and ultimately secured the win.
Finale drama and panel reactions
The finale also saw Conkers unmasked as television presenter Ben Shephard, who finished in second place, while Toastie revealed herself as soul singer and broadcaster Mica Paris, who took third. The judging panel—made up of familiar faces alongside special guest judge Samantha Barks—displayed a mix of correct hunches and startling misses. One panellist had confidently pinned Moth as another R&B singer before the reveal, eliciting an audible reaction when Buchanan stepped forward.
Throughout the series, the show leaned into elaborate clues and genre-hopping performances to keep viewers guessing. Previous contestants this series included a range of personalities from comedians to pop stars and television personalities, each eliminated and unmasked over the run-up to the final. The format’s blend of theatricality and celebrity mystery ensured strong viewer engagement right through to the last curtain drop.
What the win means for Buchanan and the show
Buchanan’s victory represents a high-profile return to the spotlight and a reminder of her enduring vocal talents. By selecting challenging and unexpected songs, she not only kept her identity well concealed for much of the competition but also demonstrated versatility that resonated with both the audience and the panel. In post-show remarks she reflected on the surprise and gratitude she felt at making it to the end, calling the journey both nerve-racking and rewarding.
For the series itself, the finale reinforced the appeal of the format: theatrical costumes, dramatic reveals and the pleasure of watching familiar voices reimagined. The show rounded off with returning masked performers joining the finalists for special duet moments, underscoring the season’s celebratory tone as it closed on Valentine’s night, 14 February 2026 (ET).
As broadcasters and producers look ahead, the combination of spectacle and star turns that defined this season will likely shape casting and song choices for future outings, with viewers now asking which well-known figure will brave the mask next.
