Viewers of The Masked Singer believe they may have cracked the identity of mysterious contestant Gargoyle, after spotting what they claim is a key Coronation Street clue hidden in the character’s opening video teaser.
The seventh series of the ITV hit kicked off earlier this month, with a new batch of celebrities taking to the stage in elaborate costumes as fans raced to work out the cryptic hints dropped before and during each performance.
Gargoyle immediately sparked intense speculation online, with viewers flooding social media during and after the episode to share theories about the star behind the mask.
In the clue package, Gargoyle introduced themselves with a rock-inspired monologue, dressed as a "biker girl".
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Viewers believe they may have cracked the identity of mysterious contestant Gargoyle
|ITV
They said: “Hey, dudes, it’s me, Gargoyle! No need to be scared. I’m just your everyday, run-of-the-mill musical statue.
"Right, let’s rock on! It’s totally awesome to be down from the rooftops and here on The Masked Singer stage.
“Don’t you get me wrong, I become quite attached to where I’m from, but it doesn’t mean I can’t move around.
“This Gargoyle started to spread their wings from an early age. They are pretty rad, and I’ve used them as motivation to get out of here. People think Gargoyles are Gothic, but I cross many styles, man, you can’t pigeon-hole me.”
Fans speculated that Denise Welch could have been in the costume
| PAThey continued: “I try not to be a prima donna, which isn’t easy when I’m down here, away from all of the other Gargoyles who keep me in check. But you can top, pop and back-up to see them, which is pretty sick.”
The clue ended with: “Right, let’s put pedal to the metal and get started.”
However, it was a fleeting visual moment that appears to have sent fans into overdrive.
Several viewers claimed they spotted a reference to Coronation Street icon Sally Webster (played by Sally Dynevor), whose portrait was seen face down during the segment. Sally was famously in a Cobbles spat with Natalie Barnes, played by none other than Denise Welch.
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Gargoyle performed Filthy/Gorgeous by Scissor Sisters
|ITV
That detail quickly fuelled speculation that Ms Welch herself could be behind the Gargoyle costume.
One viewer wrote on X: “I’m going based on the Sally Webster photo and saying Denise Welch. Purely for that slap back in the day on #Corrie.”
Another joked: “Only a villain would push down Queen Sally’s portrait, so it must be Denise Welch! #MaskedSingerUK.”
Others echoed the theory. “No idea with the Gargoyle… Denise Welch?” one person asked, while another penned: “Could be way off, but I’m going Denise Welch for Gargoyle.”
One fan added: “I said weeks ago I had a feeling Gargoyle was Denise Welch, but now I’ve heard her sing I actually think it is.”
Ms Welch is also well known for her musical background and confident stage presence, with supporters of the theory pointing to her vocal tone and performance style.
Others referenced her time on Loose Women, noting her involvement in musical sketches and charity performances over the years.
During the opening episode, Gargoyle performed Filthy/Gorgeous by Scissor Sisters, earning mixed reactions from the judging panel but doing enough to avoid elimination.
The judges speculated that Ruby Wax could be in the costume
|GETTY
Judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama floated their own guesses, ranging from Ruby Wax to Frankie Bridge and Helen Flanagan, but none publicly mentioned Ms Welch.
Despite the confidence of some fans, alternative theories continue to circulate online, with other viewers suggesting singers from the 1990s and early 2000s based on vocal range and musical references within the clues.
ITV has remained tight-lipped on Gargoyle’s true identity, with the contestant set to return to the stage in upcoming episodes as the guessing game continues.