Saturday night television has once again been taken over by glitter, guessing games, and feverish fan theories as The Masked Singer returns with another season of

outrageous costumes and baffling clues. And already, viewers believe they have cracked the identity of one of this year’s most talked-about contestants.

According to sharp-eyed fans, the mystery performer known as Conkers is none other than a beloved Coronation Street star — with a deeply personal reason for stepping inside the elaborate costume.

The Masked Singer fans have claimed they’ve worked out who Conkers is revealing the reason he’d sign up for the show

Viewers of the ITV reality series reckon they’ve got the character sussed out as a Coronation Street star

His performance matched with clues from the opening VT have led fans to suspect that the face behind the mask is in fact Sam Aston

Conkers, who appears on stage clad in full knightly armour with a whimsical nut-themed twist, has quickly become one of the most intriguing characters in the competition. From his confident swagger to his surprisingly polished vocals, he has sparked intense debate among viewers desperate to unmask the celebrity hiding beneath the helmet. Now, a growing number of fans are convinced they know exactly who it is — Corrie favourite Sam Aston, best known for playing Chesney Brown.

The theory exploded online following Conkers’ most recent performance, where he delivered a high-energy rendition of House of Pain’s 1992 hit Jump Around. The bold song choice, combined with a string of unusually specific clues from his introductory VT, sent social media into meltdown. Viewers immediately began dissecting every word, prop, and gesture — and many believe the evidence points firmly towards the cobbles of Weatherfield.

In his opening video package, Conkers was shown inside a medieval castle holding a book titled Sam’s Tavern Songs for a Knightly Knees-Up. For fans, the use of the name “Sam” was the first major red flag. While The Masked Singer is known for throwing in red herrings, viewers felt this was a little too on the nose to ignore. Adding fuel to the fire, Conkers was also seen holding a painting of Abz Love from boyband Five — a nod, fans believe, to Aston’s early TV appearances during the same era.

But it was Conkers’ cryptic confession that truly sealed the deal. Speaking directly to camera, he teased: “I’m no stranger to secrets, scandals and shock reveals.” For longtime Coronation Street viewers, that line felt unmistakably familiar. After all, Sam Aston has spent over two decades portraying Chesney Brown, a character who has lived through affairs, family breakdowns, dramatic reveals, and emotional rollercoasters — all under the watchful eye of millions.

The clues didn’t stop there. Conkers also hinted, “This Conker has played many parts, but I’m not looking for credit,” which fans interpreted as a reference to Aston’s career beginning in childhood. Sam first appeared on Corrie at just ten years old, growing up on screen and becoming one of the soap’s most recognisable faces. To viewers, the line suggested someone who has worked steadily for years without seeking the spotlight — a description that fits Aston perfectly.

Despite judges throwing out a wide range of guesses — including Sam Thompson, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, Tom Daley, and even Bradley Walsh — fans were unconvinced. Social media quickly filled with comments insisting the voice, movement, and clues were a dead giveaway.

On Reddit, one viewer wrote: “Listening to the voice on repeat, I’m getting Sam Aston from Corrie.” Another replied: “Ooh, could be — he’s been doing the TV rounds recently. Dancing on Ice, Catchphrase… it fits.” A third fan added what many now believe is the key motivation behind his appearance: “I agree that I heard him too. He has kids who would probably be a good age to enjoy it.”

That theory has resonated strongly with viewers. Sam Aston, 32, is a devoted family man. He married wife Briony Gardner in 2019, and the couple share two young children — son Sonny, born in August 2020, and a daughter welcomed in May 2022. Fans believe The Masked Singer, with its playful costumes and family-friendly appeal, would be the perfect show for Aston to take part in for his children’s enjoyment.

As one fan put it on X: “If Conkers is Sam Aston, it makes total sense. His kids would absolutely love seeing their dad dressed as a knight on telly.”

Adding even more weight to the theory is Aston’s recent television resurgence beyond the cobbles. In 2025, he emerged as a surprise powerhouse on Dancing on Ice, ultimately winning the competition alongside professional partner Molly Lanaghan. Guest judge Freddy Flintoff also raised eyebrows during The Masked Singer by suggesting that the “knees-up” clue could point to someone with dance competition experience — a comment fans immediately linked back to Aston’s triumphant skating journey.

Sam Aston has two children with his wife Briony Gardner who he married in 2019

The couple welcomed their first child Sonny back in August 2020 and a baby girl in May 2022

The hit shows 2026 instalment is full of weird and wonderful characters concealing a host of celebs

Before becoming a household name on Coronation Street, Sam Aston also built an impressive CV as a child actor. He appeared in The Bill between 2002 and 2003 and famously played Horrid Henry in the TV special The Children’s Party at the Palace. For fans, this long and varied career fits neatly with Conkers’ hints about “many parts” and a performer comfortable adapting to new challenges.

What has particularly captivated audiences is the idea of Aston using The Masked Singer as a chance to step away from Chesney Brown and showcase a different side of himself. After more than two decades in the same role, the anonymity of the mask offers freedom — a rare opportunity to sing, perform, and surprise without preconceived expectations.

While ITV remains tight-lipped and Conkers’ true identity is still officially unconfirmed, the confidence among fans is growing stronger by the week. Every performance, every clue, and every subtle vocal inflection is being scrutinised — and each time, the Sam Aston theory only seems to gain momentum.

Whether Conkers is ultimately revealed to be the Coronation Street star or not, one thing is certain: the character has already captured viewers’ imaginations and reignited excitement around the guessing game that defines The Masked Singer. And if it really is Sam Aston beneath the helmet, fans are convinced his motivation is refreshingly simple — doing something joyful, playful, and unforgettable for his children.

As the competition continues and the clues become sharper, audiences will be watching closely. The big reveal may still be weeks away, but for many viewers, the mystery of Conkers already feels tantalisingly close to being solved.