![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 20.00 Sunday 18th December 2022 From Bandicoot TV The Masked Singer: SR4 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Rhino. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc/Bandicoot TV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SEI_138045855-300b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=644%2C364)
The winner of The Masked Singer UK 2023 has been crowned, people… and it’s only Charlie Simpson!
Yes, Rhino was the final contestant to be unmasked, after fooling everyone for weeks and amazing us with his performances.
Judges Rita Ora, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and Mo Gilligan, along with guest panelist Lee Mack, were left stunned when the star’s mask came off, but delighted to award Rhino the crown.
His win came after All Saints star Natalie Appleton finished in third place in the first reveal of the night.
Meanwhile, Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs narrowly missed out on first place, landing runner-up as Phoenix.
Judge Jonathan in particular, as well as the studio audience, was convinced Rhino was James Arthur due to his distinct voice, while there were also guesses of George Ezra and Jason Orange.
Rita and Davina, though, were desperate for Rhino to be Charlie, having picked up on several references to his identity in the clue packages.
From an equation equalling 3,000 as a nod to Busted’s hit Year 3,000, to the word ‘breakthrough’ referencing their ‘breakthrough’ award at the Brits, the signs were there all along!
Charlie, aka Rhino, gave the most powerful performances in the final, including a cover of Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi.
Rhino also duetted with Gabrielle, who previously competed as Harlequin.
Charlie admitted he ‘never expected’ to win the show, joking that his biggest fear was forgetting his lyrics!
The Masked Singer is available to stream on ITVX.
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