The Man in the Wormy Mask News Posted by Ian Symes on 24th January 2026, 18:28 The seventh series of The Masked Singer is currently underway on ITV. If you’re not familiar with the format, the gist is that a bunch of mystery celebrities are disguised inside giant costumes, and the judging panel have to guess their identities based on their voices and a handful of cryptic clues. One of the performers this year is called Can of Worms. The costumes are not always related to the identity of the performer, but in this case we suspect it might be. Have a listen to their two performances so far, and see if you jump to the same conclusion as us… The series continues on Saturday nights on ITV.
“Can of Worms” is way too obvious a clue in itself. Who wrote and directed Can of Worms? DOUG NAYLOR. And if it’s not him, then it’s bound to be that episode’s top credited actor – CHRIS BARRIE. “But that doesn’t sound like Chris’s voice at all”? Of course it doesn’t, he’s an impressionist! You think Chris Barrie can’t do a spot on Doug Naylor singing voice?
There was a mention of hobgoblins in last week’s clues. Made me think of Labyrinth and my head just couldn’t shake it.
Hoooobgoblins, hoooobgoblins. What do you do with those hoooobgoblins? They’re over here, they’re over there. Those darn hobgoblins are everywhere. Woo. Yay.
So they called it can of worms to throw people off the scent? I get it. No one wants to remember that episode.
Oh I’m convinced that’s him. I’ve never watched the show properly but it’s basically Through the Keyhole isn’t it, but with the mystery celebrity singing inside a big football mascot type costume instead of Loyd Grossman or whoever showing you around their house. Admittedly that’s a pretty big difference. What other Red Dwarf episode titles would make good costumes? Lemons maybe. And I wouldn’t be surprised if D.N.A. has already been done.
I’ve never watched the show before, I always assumed the masks/costumes were just random – do they always have some connection to the person then?
do they always have some connection to the person then No, often there’s no obvious connection. This would just seem to be an extra clue.
There’s also another video from the most recent show that makes it feel more likely than ever. The accent makes me more convinced than ever that it’s that master impressionist and lord of You Can’t Say Anything Anymore, Chris Barrie.
do they always have some connection to the person then No, often there’s no obvious connection. This would just seem to be an extra clue. I can’t think of any immediate example of the costume also being a clue but it’s definitely happened a couple of times before. Also, Morten Harket sang Take on Me, the crafty bugger.
The Rubbish Bin was Stephen Hendry. There were colours on the front that were snooker ball colours. I can’t think of any other examples.
How aware is the average ITV Saturday night audience of the titles of Dave-era Red Dwarf episodes? Or their existence?
I gotta say I don’t hear Danny in any of these. I’m also shocked that the audio and the actual singing quality is go good and clear given they’re singing inside a get up like that. I’ve never watched this show, is it definitely a live performance?
I gotta say I don’t hear Danny in any of these. Interesting. There are tiny little inflections that I think sound exactly like his voice – not a lisp exactly, but those sounds you get when your tongue feels ever so slightly big for your mouth – and some of the bigger vocal gymnastics sound a lot like him too. It’s possible it’s not him, but if it’s not then their voices have a lot in common.
I’m also shocked that the audio and the actual singing quality is go good and clear given they’re singing inside a get up like that. I’ve never watched this show, is it definitely a live performance? As far as I can tell they’re live, as when they get unmasked they sing again and it never sounds very different and they’re definitely live then. Sloth in this series is also good evidence they’re live as they always sound like they’re about to die. I have to say, this week I’ve started to question it being Danny. the singing does sound exactly like him to me but I’m not getting any connections with the clues and his speaking parts just aren’t convincing me it’s him, either.
I don’t watch the show but from what I gather the clues are often 3-2-1 levels of obscure, so there might still be some tenuous connection.
I have more doubts now than I did a couple of weeks ago, but every time I go back to the Ghostbusters video, I’m sold again. It’s just exactly his voice. I really hope it is Danny, otherwise this post is going to look really stupid on the front page of a Red Dwarf fansite.
I really hope it is Danny, otherwise this post is going to look really stupid on the front page of a Red Dwarf fansite. So if it isn’t Danny, will you rush out the next 10 DwarfCasts to get it off the front page?
So if it isn’t Danny, will you rush out the next 10 DwarfCasts to get it off the front page? Ian bashing out G&TVs and hoping a few cast and crew pop their clogs.
So if it isn’t Danny, will you rush out the next 10 DwarfCasts to get it off the front page? Ian bashing out G&TVs and hoping a few cast and crew pop their clogs. Fucking hell :/
Anyone remember any clues? Assuming they still do that (it’s been a VERY long time since I last watched).
WEEK ONE“Hey y’all, I’m Can of Worms and I’m Worming my way into the competition! Bring on the soul. How awesome to be on The Masked Singer, it’s just the beginning and I never wanna leave. Now, do you wanna see what I’ve been up to? Here’s my patch, isn’t it Rad? All of these beautiful things I’ve grown. As a Worm, I have Green Fingers. It runs in the family, like it was Written in the Stars. 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 with a Bookworm. Get, out dude! It really sucks when I have to wrestle with wildlife. They’re famous for hunting my juicy fruits. If I can come out on top tonight, like I did with my Zucchini at the Trade Show last year, I’ll be Stoked. Worms Crossed!” WEEK THREE”Oh, Man, What a ride that last performance was. I’m ready to turn over a new leaf. It’s party time! Now follow me as I walk you through my flower beds. Despite my success, I’m down to earth. When I’m not singing, you’ll find me kicking about in the field, getting my Five a Day. It’s true what they say about plants making music. I hear it when I turn the compost. Am I digging myself a hole? What can I say? I’m eternally devoted to my Daisies. An ace Gardner is always proud of their plot. It takes great dedication and heart. I’m a total geek about Beetroots and Peaches, but I’m not just a one-trick Peony. Right, I’m out of here. Can’t be late for the panel again.” WEEK FOUR”Wow. See those birds? That’s what it feels like. I’m flying through this competition. Away from the crowds, I find peace in my backyard, but not when I have to protect it from those annoying mice that love feeding on my seedlings. Even when I get droopy Daffodils, I know just the thing to bring them back to life. You should see the size of my Asparagus spears. Think I’ll be beaten? Forget about it! I’m not going down without a fight.” WEEK FIVE”Last week was Rash but the panel guessing the man Behind the Can does make me squirm. I’ve wiggled my way through another week. What an adventure! Seeing the crowd swinging their arms is always magical. It’s awesome to take part in a big show like The Masked Singer. It still feels like a prank. Is this real? You have to have nerves of Steel in front of the panel. Hopefully, my performances are Dynamite. I can be a bit of a Nerd about Flowers. The White Hibiscus and Wisteria are my personal favourites. There’s just something about being in the garden. It gives me a real glow. Looks like it’s time for me to Shoot my Shot at another week.”(Copy/pasted from https://the-masked-singer.fandom.com/wiki/Can_of_Worms )
I mean, not all the time put that watering can down and relax with a Bookworm. It’s party time! I’m a total geek … I can be a bit of a Nerd
Thanks Jo! I forgot the clues were pretty cryptic. Written in the Stars could be a reference to him being in Starlight Express. I don’t know what level of cryptic the clues are as to whether there’s anything alluding to Death in Paradise, or whether it’s just me looking to draw connections from a static starting point. Also, runs in the family, his nephew is a footballer … but I’ve no idea if that’s just me reaching.
WEEK ONE“Hey y’all, I’m Can of Worms and I’m Worming my way into the competition! Bring on the soul. How awesome to be on The Masked Singer, it’s just the beginning and I never wanna leave. Now, do you wanna see what I’ve been up to? Here’s my patch, isn’t it Rad? All of these beautiful things I’ve grown. As a Worm, I have Green Fingers. It runs in the family, like it was Written in the Stars. 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 with a Bookworm. Get, out dude! It really sucks when I have to wrestle with wildlife. They’re famous for hunting my juicy fruits. If I can come out on top tonight, like I did with my Zucchini at the Trade Show last year, I’ll be Stoked. Worms Crossed!” WEEK THREE”Oh, Man, What a ride that last performance was. I’m ready to turn over a new leaf. It’s party time! Now follow me as I walk you through my flower beds. Despite my success, I’m down to earth. When I’m not singing, you’ll find me kicking about in the field, getting my Five a Day. It’s true what they say about plants making music. I hear it when I turn the compost. Am I digging myself a hole? What can I say? I’m eternally devoted to my Daisies. An ace Gardner is always proud of their plot. It takes great dedication and heart. I’m a total geek about Beetroots and Peaches, but I’m not just a one-trick Peony. Right, I’m out of here. Can’t be late for the panel again.” WEEK FOUR”Wow. See those birds? That’s what it feels like. I’m flying through this competition. Away from the crowds, I find peace in my backyard, but not when I have to protect it from those annoying mice that love feeding on my seedlings. Even when I get droopy Daffodils, I know just the thing to bring them back to life. You should see the size of my Asparagus spears. Think I’ll be beaten? Forget about it! I’m not going down without a fight.” WEEK FIVE”Last week was Rash but the panel guessing the man Behind the Can does make me squirm. I’ve wiggled my way through another week. What an adventure! Seeing the crowd swinging their arms is always magical. It’s awesome to take part in a big show like The Masked Singer. It still feels like a prank. Is this real? You have to have nerves of Steel in front of the panel. Hopefully, my performances are Dynamite. I can be a bit of a Nerd about Flowers. The White Hibiscus and Wisteria are my personal favourites. There’s just something about being in the garden. It gives me a real glow. Looks like it’s time for me to Shoot my Shot at another week.”(Copy/pasted from https://the-masked-singer.fandom.com/wiki/Can_of_Worms ) Nothing about any of this makes me think it’s Danny. Unless he is a prolific gardener I don’t know about. The worms would sure be a reference to that more than an obscure late series episode of Red Dwarf.
I think it’s looking unlikely that it’s Danny. In which case, please can we have Can of Worms (or the actual person upon reveal) added to the site banner rotation for posterity?
In which case, please can we have Can of Worms (or the actual person upon reveal) added to the site banner rotation for posterity? Teaching your grandmother how to suck eggs
Nothing about any of this makes me think it’s Danny. Unless he is a prolific gardener I don’t know about. The worms would sure be a reference to that more than an obscure late series episode of Red Dwarf. The VT theme for each singer is not necessarily part of the clues, though. It’s more of an extension of the costume itself, which is also not necessarily a clue. clem’s post has got me believing again. That is a decent hitrate of clues.
I think there are tons of clues littered throughout that. Rad Red (Dwarf) Written in the Stars Space sitcom I’m down to earth Back To Earth An ace Gardner Ace Rimmer It’s awesome to take part in a big show like The Masked Singer Danny was also on Strictly You should see the size of my Asparagus spears Danny’s cock I’m not going down without a fight That time he attacked a binman
It runs in the family, like it was Written in the Stars. A Red Dwarf is a star, innit? Week five talks about Steel and Dynamite, which are gladiators but I have no idea how to relate that to Danny.
I’m not going down without a fight – That time he attacked a binman One shouldn’t make light of violence, but I laughed out loud when I read this.
Week five talks about Steel and Dynamite, which are gladiators but I have no idea how to relate that to Danny.
Having just looked up who Can of Worms was. If the photo wasn’t in an article his the dudes name in the headline I’d have assumed it was Andrew Tate It’s a guy called Marvin Humes from something called JLS, apparently.
He hosts BBC’s The Hit List with his wife, Rochelle Humes from the Saturdays. Round 1 is Name That Tune. Round 2 is Provide The Title and Artist to this song. Round 3 is Endeavour to produce the nomenclature with the aural generators of the propagations of combinations of various frequencies using compression and rarefaction of air molecules as experienced by the tympanic membrane and subsequently the auditory cortex. It’s quite good.
It says ‘suppoed’ on the Smegadrive btw. It does, but I checked and I already fixed the typo on my corrected subs. Yell at Cappsy etc. etc. etc.
We’ve only got seven more articles to go before this leaves the frontpage. How many years do we reckon it’ll take them?
We’ve only got seven more articles to go before this leaves the frontpage. How many years do we reckon it’ll take them? As long as we don’t keep bumping this thread, it’ll probably get forgotten about quickly.
Ian, how much did you have to pay Rob to write and publish a book, *just* to push this thread down the frontpage a little?
So if it isn’t Danny, will you rush out the next 10 DwarfCasts to get it off the front page? Ian bashing out G&TVs and hoping a few cast and crew pop their clogs. The fact that there has since been a death article about someone in the Red Dwarf universe makes this even more weird and wild. Do you have lotto numbers as well by any chance?
So if it isn’t Danny, will you rush out the next 10 DwarfCasts to get it off the front page? Ian bashing out G&TVs and hoping a few cast and crew pop their clogs. The fact that there has since been a death article about someone in the Red Dwarf universe makes this even more weird and wild. Do you have lotto numbers as well by any chance? No lotto numbers. Just cash. With the millions that those guys have made from the Dwarfcast revenue from Spotify, they’ve clearly paid Rob Grant a book advance, and also paid to have Peter Ridsdale-Scott bumped off. And paid double for it to be on Christmas Day. All to save face. Grim.
MATHS IN THE RED PART ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-NINE Lister drives to B Deck on his space bike at 20mph, and returns by the same route at 30mph. Discounting any time spent on B Deck, what was his average speed? There, that’s the conversation killed off for good
24mph actually, more time is spent travelling at 20mph than 30mph so the 20mph figure should count more towards the average
