The Masked Singer: Why Ben Shephard Isn't Can of Worms

The nation's favourite guessing game, ITV's The Masked Singer, is back in full swing, and the mystery surrounding this year's costumed crooners is proving as captivating as ever. As the panel—Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, and Maya Jama—grapple with vocal disguises and cryptic clues, the public remains glued to their screens, ready to unmask the celebrities hiding beneath the glitter.

One character causing a particularly vigorous debate among online sleuths is Can of Worms. Following their debut performance earlier this month, theories have been rampant, with many viewers immediately latching onto a potential link with ITV’s flagship daytime show, This Morning. However, for those keenly following the breadcrumbs, the prime suspect often cited—veteran presenter Ben Shephard—appears increasingly unlikely.

Decoding Can of Worms’ Cryptic Clues

Can of Worms made its entrance on the January 3rd episode, immediately setting off alarm bells regarding a possible connection to the world of breakfast or morning television. The initial package delivered a series of clues that, while vague, pointed towards a familiar face in British broadcasting.

The 'This Morning' Connection and Marvin Humes Theory

During their introductory video, Can of Worms delivered a few key lines that judges latched onto. The celebrity stated, “Hey, y'all, I'm Can of Worms, and I'm worming my way into the competition,” prompting immediate suspicion of a deliberately deployed “fake American accent”—a common tactic used by contestants trying to throw judges off the scent.

More significantly, the backdrop featured several tell-tale signs. Pastries were visible, leading Mo Gilligan to suggest “baking,” while Maya Jama interpreted this as a pointer towards “breakfast TV.” This strongly anchored the speculation towards daytime presenters.

The narrative deepened as Can of Worms walked through a garden setting, boasting about their “patch” and stating, “All these beautiful things I've grown. As a worm, I have green fingers. It runs the family, like it was written in the stars.” The gardening reference is significant, often tying into celebrities who promote home or lifestyle segments.

However, the clues that seemed to solidify the first major theory pointed towards JLS star and frequent This Morning guest, Marvin Humes. While Ben Shephard is a massive ITV star, the specific combination of clues—particularly references that could link to Marvin’s known interests or past appearances—made him the initial favourite for many viewers.

Why Ben Shephard Doesn’t Quite Fit the Bill

Ben Shephard, co-host of This Morning and Good Morning Britain, is an obvious first thought for any clue pointing towards morning TV, given his long and established tenure on the channel. He is a major fixture on ITV, making him a seemingly perfect fit for any character linked to the network.

Yet, the specific details provided by Can of Worms seem to miss the mark on Shephard’s established public persona. While he is known for his general charisma, the strong emphasis on “green fingers” and a family legacy tied to gardening, alongside the subtle musical hints, seem less aligned with Shephard’s known hobbies compared to other potential candidates.

Furthermore, the final clue shown—a framed photo featuring former Top Gear stars James May and Richard Hammond—is a crucial piece of the puzzle. While Shephard has hosted various entertainment shows, this specific visual link might be much more potent for someone with a known passion for motoring or a specific connection to those presenters, steering the theory away from the Tipping Point host.

The Importance of the 'Watering Can' Advice

Can of Worms offered one final piece of advice: “The first tip from me, you must water your plants as much as possible. I mean, not all the time. Put that watering can down and relax.” This seemingly innocuous advice about gardening moderation could be a subtle jab at a specific career moment or perhaps an inside joke related to a co-host or project—something that would resonate more with Marvin Humes’ public narrative than Shephard’s.

The Ongoing Search for Truth in the Chaos

The beauty of The Masked Singer lies in its ability to generate massive public engagement through speculation. While Ben Shephard remains a valid guess due to his sheer presence on ITV, the current evidence package for Can of Worms seems to be pointing slightly off-centre, suggesting that the star hiding their identity is someone who balances morning TV exposure with a strong, perhaps unexpected, personal hobby or familial background.

As Can of Worms prepares for another performance this Saturday, expect the theories to intensify. Whether it's Marvin Humes, another This Morning regular, or someone entirely different, fans will be watching every gesture and listening to every inflection, determined to solve the riddle before the judges inevitably get it wrong—or, perhaps, finally get it right.