Artist and national treasure Sir Grayson Perry was unveiled as the celebrity behind the Kingfisher mask on Saturday night’s edition of The Masked Singer. The revelation sent judges Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, and Maya Jama into a frenzy, with jaws firmly on the floor.
The Turner Prize-winning potter, known for his witty ceramics and cross-dressing alter ego Claire, had viewers and judges alike convinced they were watching comedy legend Harry Hill strut his stuff under the feathers. But in true Perry fashion, he’d played a cunning game all along.
“I was playing that up massively because I know Harry Hill,” the 63-year-old confessed. “It’s fun, it’s a game! I thought I’d play the role of being a TV comedian!”
Perry’s time on the show ended despite his best efforts, leaving him “gutted” and dreaming of what could have been. “I had two charming songs lined up for next week,” he revealed. “I was going to sing Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins—there wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the place! I could hardly get through without blubbing. Then, I was going to do Stick Season by Noah Kahan. That’s a great song. Lots of words, though. Very hard to learn, but I had it nailed.”
Perry quipped as the Kingfisher mask finally came off, “I can’t hear, I can’t see—the shock for me taking the hat off was seeing you!” Judge Mo Gilligan quickly praised the artist, declaring he’d “truly embodied the show.”
Perry’s unexpected stint on the hit ITV show has once again proven no end to his talents—or his ability to keep us guessing. Whether crafting provocative vases, donning a dress, or belting out tunes in a bird costume, Sir Grayson Perry remains one of Britain’s most delightfully unpredictable icons.
Grayson Perry, born on March 24, 1960, in Chelmsford, Essex, is a renowned British artist, writer, and broadcaster, celebrated for his provocative and thought-provoking work that explores themes of identity, class, and society.
Perry’s art spans a variety of mediums, including ceramics, tapestries, prints, and sculpture, often blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary commentary.
Perry’s early life was marked by a turbulent family environment, which he has frequently referenced in his work. He discovered his passion for art during his teenage years and went on to study at Portsmouth Polytechnic and later at the Central School of Art and Design in London.
Despite initial struggles, Perry gained recognition in the 1980s for his intricate ceramic vases, which combined classical forms with subversive, often autobiographical imagery. His work challenged societal norms, addressing issues such as gender, sexuality, and consumerism.
In 2003, Perry won the prestigious Turner Prize, becoming the first ceramicist to do so. This accolade cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary art. His acceptance speech, delivered in a flamboyant dress, highlighted his alter ego, Claire, through whom he explores themes of femininity and identity. Perry’s cross-dressing and openness about his transvestism have made him a prominent advocate for gender fluidity and self-expression.
Beyond his visual art, Perry is an accomplished writer and broadcaster. His books, including The Descent of Man and Playing to the Gallery, offer witty and insightful critiques of modern masculinity and the art world. He has also presented several acclaimed television documentaries, such as All in the Best Possible Taste and Grayson Perry: Rites of Passage, which delve into British culture, class, and rituals.
Perry’s work is in significant collections worldwide, including the British Museum and the Tate. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 and later knighted in 2023 for his contributions to the arts. Known for his sharp wit and ability to connect with diverse audiences, Grayson Perry continues to challenge conventions and spark conversations through his art, writing, and public engagements, solidifying his legacy as one of Britain’s most influential contemporary artists.