Masked Singers Jonathan Ross says Natalie Cole gaff was a genuine mistake and Rita Oras like a child

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JONATHAN ROSS has made a career out of interviewing the biggest stars on the planet.

Yet despite the glut of A-listers hes had on his sofa, the chat show host admits hes not exactly a showbiz oracle a point proved when he suggested US singer Natalie Cole was dressed as mystery character Daisy on TVs The Masked Singer despite her death in 2015.

Yet despite the glut of A-listers hes had on his sofa, chat show host Jonathan admits hes not exactly a showbiz oracle as he made clear with his Natalie Cole gaff

Speaking for the first time about the gaffe on last Saturdays episode, Jonathan told The Sun: Obviously it was a genuine mistake.

Whats interesting is we recorded this in September and nobody thought to check.

But possibly it was my fault because they all think I know my stuff. They all assume, If he says it, he must be right.

The rest of the panel and the audience didnt know either.

Jonathan suggested US singer Natalie Cole was dressed as mystery character Daisy on TVs The Masked Singer despite her death in 2015

Jonathan, 59, has recommended producers introduce a crew member backstage armed with Google or Wikipedia to avoid a repeat, not that hes worried about naming more dead celebs in the final three episodes of the series.

He jokes: Im old. I cant f***ing remember what I did this morning.

But dont worry, I didnt say Tupac.

His dodgy guess was a minor blip in what has been a hugely successful first foray into the world of TV talent show judging for Wossy, whose career started in the mid-1980s.

The Masked Singer judge loves working with Rita Ora saying it’s like have a ‘child on the panel’

The Masked Singer has attracted more than six million viewers for its debut series, dwarfing the ratings of rivals The Voice and The Greatest Dancer, as the nation turns detective to work out which singing celebrities are lurking inside those outrageous costumes.

Jonathan is being assisted on the panel by TV presenter Davina McCall, Hollywood actor Ken Jeong and singer Rita Ora, who correctly guessed the identity of Daisy US singer Kelis last weekend. Donny Osmond has been a guest judge too.

The fact Rita managed to crack the mystery came as a surprise to viewers, host Joel Dommett and the panel, as her suggestions are usually wildly wide of the mark.

The panel had to guess who was inside the singing flower costume

During one of the early episodes, she thought the singing plant was Meghan Markle.

Jonathan says: Rita is a delight. Shes amazing to work with and so much fun.

In some ways its a bit like working with a child, in that the first thing that comes into her head she blurts it.

But my feeling is were not really there to solve it. If we solved it on week one, it would be a really boring show if every week afterwards were saying, I know who it is, Im not going to change my mind.

The telly veteran admits hes been guilty of throwing in suggestions just for laughs, adding: Some guesses are designed, hopefully, to keep the level of fun up.

When I said Ann Widdecombe, I didnt really think it was Ann Widdecombe.

Jonathan, pictured on Comic Relief in 1991

Jonathan never had aspirations to become a reality show judge but changed his mind when he watched a few episodes of the Korean version of The Masked Singer, where it was born.

He explains: Ive never wanted to be a judge on the shows where it can make a fundamental difference on peoples lives.

I dont think I would really be comfortable with that power. When I watch them as a viewer, I would always want these people to have a second chance, so I dont think I would be the right person.

And he always had faith The Masked Singer would connect with viewers due to the guessing game which comes with every episode.

Jonathan, right, with Masked Singer co-stars, Ken Jeong, Davina McCall and Rita Ora

He says: Its really lovely the way the show has clicked with the audience.

We were also caught up in the guessing game, me and the other panellists and Joel as well, and I couldnt see how people at home wouldnt enjoy doing that.

I was talking to my wife about it and she said, Never underestimate how much people love a mystery and the great thing is this is at the heart of it.

Its what makes it so different to the other kinds of shows on a Saturday. It has that extra level.

He believes The Masked Singer has been so refreshing that it might encourage rival TV chiefs, including Simon Cowell, to tinker with their formats.

During one of the early episodes Rita thought the singing plant was Meghan Markle

He says: All shows that have been on for a while could do with a refresh. And knowing Simon a little bit, and I like Simon and I do very much respect and admire him for what hes achieved on TV, I suspect hell be looking at it and saying, There are elements from that show we could learn from.

Keeping people watching the show when there are so many different platforms and so many different demands, you do need a little extra gimmick.

And the fact that weve got the thing at the end where someone is unmasked is a big thing.

He adds: The X Factor just needs a new lick of paint and a little look how they put it together. There were some episodes that were maybe a little longer than they should have been.

Jonathan has really embraced the deep levels of secrecy that consume the series.

Jonathan says ‘Its really lovely the way the show has clicked with the audience’

He has told just two people who the remaining contestants are, one of whom is his wife of 32 years, writer Jane Goldman, 49. He explains: You have to tell your wife these things as thats what keeps the relationship healthy. If you cant trust each other, you cant trust anyone.

Jonathan believes it is far easier for the judges to keep the identities secret than the competitors themselves. He says: Ive been communicating with one of the people whos still in the competition.

Had to ghost people

I was saying to this person, This must be driving you nuts? and this person said Ive had to ghost so many people, I just dont reply to a load of texts.

I suspect it must be a lot harder for the people in the mask if their friends or family or associates are saying, Thats not you in there is it? and theyre like, No, no. So for us panellists it probably wasnt too hard.

Jonathan has told just two people who the remaining contestants are, one of whom is his wife of 32 years, writer Jane Goldman, 49

So far, EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer (Butterfly), former Home Secretary Alan Johnson (Pharaoh), The Darkness singer Justin Hawkins (Chameleon), former footballer Teddy Sheringham (Tree) and Kelis (Daisy) have been unmasked.

That leaves Duck, Fox, Hedgehog, Monster, Octopus, Queen Bee and Unicorn left in the competition.

Two will leave the series tonight, when Sharon and Kelly Osbourne fill in for Ken on the panel, after they perform a group number for the first time High Hopes by Panic At The Disco.

Another pair will depart in next weeks semi-final before the final three battle it out for The Masked Singer crown on Saturday, February 15.

So far, EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer (Butterfly), former Home Secretary Alan Johnson (Pharaoh), The Darkness singer Justin Hawkins (Chameleon), former footballer Teddy Sheringham (Tree) and Kelis (Daisy) have been unmasked

The success of the debut series means a second series should be a formality and talks are underway.

Jonathan says he wants to return alongside the rest of the panel and hopes to introduce a new element to the show that he believes will ramp up the excitement.

He adds: I would definitely do it, schedule permitting. I so loved working with Davina, Rita, Ken and Joel. I hope everyone comes back because it was great fun hanging out with those guys.

Hopefully theyll be joined by someone who knows how to Google.

  • The Masked Singer is on ITV Saturday at 7pm.

BUT ARE JONATHAN’S GUESSES ON THESE RIGHT?

Here are Jonathon’s guesses, so far…

DUCK: Diane Abbott, Mel C

UNICORN: John Barrowman, Jake Shears

QUEEN BEE: Margot Robbie, Jesy Nelson

MONSTER: LL Cool J, Sir Elton John

HEDGEHOG: Jason Manford, Sir Ian McKellen

OCTOPUS: Holly Valance, Jodie Kidd

FOX: Sam Fox, Arlene Phillips