ITV The Masked Singer Sloth 'exposed' as British TV adventurer as fans solve cryptic 'rowing machine' clue

Guesses from the judges were varied to say the least, with punts ranging from Joe Wicks and Chris Moyles to Jay McGuiness and Alexander Armstrong.

But according to The Masked Singer fandom, the judging panel is way off the mark, with several viewers landing on one name following their investigative work.

That name is none other than TV presenter Ben Fogle, 52, a presenter known for a wide array of shows on the BBC, ITV, and Channel 5.

Many of those tipping Mr Fogle to be under the mask were convinced by Sloth's first clue package of the series. "Good morning, workout warriors," Sloth said during the VT.

Dressed in fitness gear, Sloth added: "Are you ready to get moving, grooving, and fitness improving? Well, you’ve come to the right Sloth!

"You should have seen the state of me before - sluggish, sleepy, your typical Sloth, really. Well, I’ve got news for you. Now I’m bringing fitness, fashion, and fierceness to the competition."

The clue package wasn't done there as Sloth went on: "I know how to represent in the gym and on the world stage.

"Don’t worry, I’m no muscle menace. You won’t want to dodge these moves. Join my Squat Squad, anchor those feet, and don’t keel over balance.

"It’s important. Each exercise has a corresponding stretch. So it’s especially vital you do them. Anyway, enough of the warm-up, I’m ready to absolutely crush it!"

While Sloth stopped short of saying anything too revealing in the package, some fans noted the props around him, which may have given away Mr Fogle's identity.

In particular, a rowing machine with a reserved label stuck on it. Many have claimed this is in reference to Mr Fogle's row across the Atlantic with James Cracknell for the BBC show, Through Hell and High Water, in 2006.

Putting the theory forward on X, one fan was convinced: "I think sloth is Ben Fogle #MaskedSingerUK."

"Sloth is defo Ben Fogle...imho of course...#MaskedSingerUK," a second adamantly put, while a third was similarly sure: "#MaskedSingerUK sloth is 100% Ben Fogle."

"Sloth is absolutely Ben Fogle #MaskedSingerUK," another weighed in, while a fifth referenced the rowing machine: "#MaskedSingerUK sloth is Ben Fogle. Rowing machine is reserved for him. He rowed the Atlantic with James Cracknell."

Elsewhere, a sixth weighed into the debate: "#MaskedSingerUK Im catching up so dont hate me if it's been announced but #Sloth is Ben Fogle." (sic)

Fans will have to wait until the end of Saturday's show to see if Sloth is eliminated to discover whether it is indeed Mr Fogle hidden underneath.

Sloth will perform in the same show as Moth, Can of Worms, Red Panda, and Gargoyle in a spooky-themed special.

This will be Red Panda's first performance of the series after ITV removed their performance from an earlier episode in light of the bar fires of Crans-Montana, Switzerland.