Speculation surrounding the identity of Bear is heating up, with fans convinced the fluffy character is none other than legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen.
One eagle-eyed viewer took to to share their theory, stating, “It’s .”
Meanwhile, another fan on Twitter joked: “I love The Masked Singer because I never have a clue what’s going on…But the clues told me it’s Sir Ian McKellen.”
So far the brown fluffy character has impressed audiences with a diverse range of performances.
In their first appearance, Bear belted out a musical number from Oliver! before shifting gears with an energetic rendition of Will Smith’s Miami.
:
Viewers have been trying to guess who Bear is in The Masked Singer (Image: ITV)
Bear has also dropped several cryptic clues for viewers to decipher.
One hint went: “The stage is set, the audience awaits, and I am hungry for the competition.”
During the debut show, the character also shared a riddle, saying: “I’m walking the stage and displaying my toil, but I’m also at home amongst flowers and soil.”
Several fans believe the riddle aligns perfectly with Sir Ian McKellen’s career and personal life.
Some fans have speculated that Sir Ian McKellen is the voice behind the furry creature (Image: Getty)
McKellen is known for his stage roles, particularly in Shakespearean dramas.
The star has graced the West End and Broadway stages, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 1979.
This means the “walking the stage and displaying my toil” clue could be a nod to his theatrical achievements.
The mention of “flowers and soil” could have a connection to McKellen’s frequent appearances at flower shows.
In 2014, he attended the Kent Festival of Flowers: Autumn Glory at Leeds Castle. Two years later, he opened the Blenheim Palace Flower Show in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
These events tie neatly into Bear’s hint about being “at home amongst flowers and soil”.