Viewers of The Masked Singer UK were in for a surprise on Saturday evening as Toad In The Hole was revealed to be American singer Macy Gray. Bear, Pufferfish, Bush, Bear and Toad in the Hole all took to the stage, but sadly, one mystery performer had to bid farewell, and it was none other than Toad.

As per the show's tradition, the person behind the mask had to unveil their identity. However, before Macy's identity was disclosed, she exited the stage when host Joel Dommett announced the unfortunate news that she had to leave.

Viewers at home were taken aback and, shortly after, the star returned to the stage and was unveiled as American singer Macy, who appeared less than pleased about her departure from the reality show. Now, an insider has alleged that Macy was simply "blindsided" by being one of the first to exit The Masked Singer after making it to the final of the US version as Sea Queen in 2023.

The source claimed she was initially "almost shellshocked to start with" and quickly became "gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version - when obviously she did brilliantly - so was totally blindsided."

Speaking to The Sun, they suggested: "It was the shock of it for her as well as the upset and in that moment she had a very raw, human reaction and wanted out. For a professional performer to reach that point shows how badly she felt.", reports the Mirror.

The insider added that it took the backstage crew some time to 'talk her round'.

The Mirror has been in touch with her representatives and ITV for a statement. In the midst of the uncomfortable scene where Macy returned to the stage with an unimpressed expression, fans immediately started discussing the incident on social media.

One viewer tweeted: "Well that was awkward... #maskedsingeruk."

Another reacted: "Wow is Macy Gray really that heartbroken that she's been kicked off Masked Singer", and another added their thoughts saying, "Oh everyone looks so awkward. She walked off stage. cannot deal #maskedsingeruk #maskedsinger."

Someone else reflected: "Did anyone else feel awkward watching the last few minutes of that... Macy Gray pls #maskedsingeruk."

The panel had largely guessed that Toad in the Hole was indeed Macy Gray, who had performed the Boney M classic 'Sunny' on the show, culminating in the decision to eliminate her instead of Bear, who was also at risk after performing twice. When comedian Joel Dommett, 39, enquired if she enjoyed the experience, the 'Sweet Baby' songstress simply replied: "Yeah".

Jonathan Ross also humorously apologised for Joel's shorts, as the host expressed his gratitude towards Macy for being part of the show.

Macy Gray, who is 57, graced the Pyramid Stage at the iconic Glastonbury Festival back in 2000 and 2003, gifting the crowd with memorable performances. She's best known for her hit song 'I Try', which bagged her a Grammy for best female pop vocal performance in 2001.

Earlier in the show, she delivered a soulful rendition of 'Sunny' by Bobby Hebb, prompting panellist Mo Gilligan to speculate whether the voice could belong to the legendary US musician Tracy Chapman. Macy, donning a Shakespearean-style getup, also belted out Will Smith's 'Miami'.

In character as Bush, she performed 'Hold My Hand' by Jess Glynne.

In other moments from the programme, new panel member Maya Jama was captivated by Pufferfish's rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s anthem 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun', calling it "stunning". Meanwhile, Bear and Toad In The Hole faced off after memorable saves of Bush, Pufferfish, and Wolf, who had just entertained with Barry Manilow’s 'Copacabana (At the Copa)'.

Special guest Suranne Jones hinted at the possibility of Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet hiding behind Wolf's mask, whereas Davina McCall's guess leaned towards Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran. Following this, Bear kept the audience hooked with 'Stay' by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, and Toad In The Hole wooed the judges with Roxette’s 'It Must Have Been Love'.

After their performances, the judges decided to keep Bear in the competition. Rounding up the excitement, last weekend unveiled Sir Mo Farah as the celebrity disguised as host Joel.