Panda is revealed to be Natalie Imbruglia after winning The Masked Singer

Panda is revealed to be Natalie Imbruglia after winning The Masked Singer.

On ITV and ITV Hub Saturday night, the thrilling finale of The Masked Singer aired, with Panda storming to victory and being revealed as singing soap sensation Natalie Imbruglia.

Here she tells us her about her experience on the show.

WINNER Q&A: PANDA

Had you watched The Masked Singer before? 

I had seen a few episodes and I knew it looked fun.

What made you decide to take on the challenge?

I did it for my son. He loves the character I chose. I also thought it would be fun to sing with a mask on, no need to spend hours in hair and make-up. I liked the idea of hiding my identity and putting on an accent to throw people off the scent. I guess it’s also an acting gig.

How hard is it to keep the secret?

I found it quite hard as I’m a very open person. So, I had to create some interesting white lies about what I was working on and I had to avoid people which wasn’t hard as we worked long hours.

How excited are you for the big reveal and who do you think amongst your friends/family will be the most surprised? 

I’m so excited for the reveal as my name didn’t come up once. I’m hoping for some very surprised looks from the judges.

What did you think of your mask, your overall look and the character you got to play?

I loved my mask, such a friendly face. I miss it. I wish we got to take them home. I’d wear it round the house for a laugh. I chose a character I could humanise and that I could dance in.

Did you have a say in what your costume looked like?

Yes. It was a collaboration but full credit to the design team for turning it around so quickly and taking on board my input. The final result was so fantastic. I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved the little clues they added to my outfit.

How about the clue packages – what kind of input did you have on those and do you have a favourite nugget of information from them? 

I didn’t come up with them but I was so impressed with the research team. They found things I have done that I’d forgotten about, for example, being the voice of an animated character.  It was a long time ago and initially I said it wasn’t me until they played it back and it was clearly my voice! It’s been a great trip down memory lane remembering all the fun things I have done in my life so far.

Were there any nerves when you first performed as your character or did being hidden inside the costume make you feel more confident? 

I was terrified and I can’t remember the first two performances. I thought the mask would make me feel more confident but it took a while to get used to. Your voice is booming back at you so that is strange at first. By the third performance I was loving it. You sweat a lot too so that made me feel better about eating all the treats in the dressing room.

What did you think of the panel’s guesses? 

Most of them I was very flattered. Sia, Lisa Stansfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Billie Piper. Some were just silly. Jonathan said Bear Grylls. Mo said Jennifer Hudson which is flattering but a stretch. I’m a big fan of hers.

If you could wear your mask and costume just one more time what occasion would you choose to wear it to?

Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Ball or The Oscars. Somewhere that I’d be very out of character.

If you could sum up your experience in a song title what would it be?

I’m Levitating!