The Masked Singer is underway for 2022 with six of the 12 brand-new characters making their debut tonight. Viewers met Mushroom, Robobunny, Lionfish, Firework, Chandelier and Doughnuts.

After all had performed, it was Chandelier who was unmasked and revealed to be Heather Small.

Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan all returned to their detective chairs with Joel Dommett back to preside over television’s most bizarre guessing game. The panel found themselves totally in the dark when it came to guessing Chandelier’s identity. Hiding her light behind a cleverly disguised voice, Small fooled them all.

The Masked Singer continues tomorrow night, 2 January, at 7.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub where the remaining new characters - Bagpipes, Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda, Snow Leopard and Traffic Cone - will sing for the first time.

Please find below a Q&A with Heather Small.

What made you decide to take on the challenge?

I’d seen Gabrielle and Joss Stone saying how much fun it was and in these most challenging of times a little bit fun is good for everyone.

How hard is it to keep the secret?

I would say it is difficult, especially when you are with one of the nosiest people on the planet – my mother!

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

Very excited as the challenge was to disguise my voice so the panel couldn’t get to guess who I was. I wanted it to be a real surprise and I think I achieved that. I live with my son and mother and they had no clue. I managed to keep it a secret.

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

I loved my look because it didn’t give much away. It was intricate, beautiful and I take my hat off to the costume makers. They were phenomenal.

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

I was given options and I chose my costume. I did have a say in the fit so it would be comfortable to wear.

**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 approved the clues which were so abstract. It wouldn’t have been easy for the panel. The researcher was good and jogged my memory on my own career.

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

Definitely. I was very nervous. The costume does help immensely as I tailored my vocal performance to my appearance.

What did you think of the panel’s guesses?

Hilarious, as they were so off the mark.

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

London Fashion Week.

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

Michael Jackson – ‘Working Day and Night’.