Tonight Robobunny, Doughnuts, Firework, Panda, Traffic Cone, Mushroom and Rockhopper all performed.

Firework was the first to be unmasked this week as actor Jaime Winstone, whom Rita had previously considered but moved on from.

[end]

FIREWORK Q&A

Had you watched The Masked Singer before?

I had seen a few episodes and thought it was wild. I loved the idea of it and how much joy my son Raymond and godson Bear enjoy it.

Did you have a favourite previous character?

I love Kelis and was really into her glitzy flower power head.

What made you decide to take on the challenge?

The last two years have been very doom and gloom for our industry and ultimately, I love to perform. I usually take on roles that are very gritty and serious, so for me this was a great way to show people what I can do, what I love doing and to make my son very happy. He’s going to think his mummy is a firework. This was my main reason.

How hard is it to keep the secret?

Actually, quite easy. I have always loved playing pranks on my family and friends, so this was the ultimate opportunity for the ultimate prank.

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

I think my mum and dad will be most surprised, they have no idea. I told them I was shooting a short film set in the future. Little did they know I was going to work dressed up as Firework singing my heart out.

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

I truly loved my look and character. It showed a side of my personality that people wouldn’t have known about me, bright colourful and hits you with a bang. I’m no stranger to sequins so this was an extremely exaggerated look of what I might wear to a disco. I really enjoyed not having a face, I took note from an idol of mine Leigh Bowery. It helped me escape me and become a firework.

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

I did. We worked through a few looks but we settled on the amazing Firework design. This felt like I could move the most and express my personality through the character without giving much away.

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?

The clues were extremely hard and I struggled to get my own clues. I love how they really throw the judges off. At one point they thought I was Leona Lewis which I found hilarious and was giggling away in my Firework head.

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

The feeling I had was completely mixed. I was so nervous and so excited, I had to remind myself that this was fun and I want to enjoy myself. The feeling of belting out a tune and not being judged was extremely exhilarating as an actor. I kept thinking, ‘Dance like no-one is watching and sing like you do in the shower and try not to remember how the whole nation is watching’ - which is daunting. I have a total newfound respect for singers, the energy and breath work along with movement is extremely tiring.

What did you think of the panel’s guesses?

I found them hilarious. Rita actually guessed me once but convinced herself that I would never do this show. I really wanted to have some fun with what I do for a living and I’m so happy I did, it has unlocked my inner pop star, the young Jaime in me was smiling cheek to cheek.

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

I would love to wear my costume casually to shops, totally appropriate or to judge on (RuPaul’s) Drag Race.

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

WHAT A FEELING! And ‘Baby I’m a firework!’

[end]