THE MASKED Dancer star Kimberely Walsh has revealed that she was forced to hide her identity from bandmate Cheryl.
Odd Socks was sent home during Saturday night’s show after receiving the lowest votes from the studio audience.
The popstar, 40, said she had to tell her Girls Aloud bandmate a white lie after the Geordie star immediately guessed it was her behind the costume.
The Love Machine singer said she kept tight-lipped about her appearance on the show, even avoiding questions from Cheryl.
Speaking exclusively to HOAR, Kimberely said: “Cheryl clocked it straight away, after the first dance she messaged me and said ‘did you honestly think you could keep that from me, I know how you move more than you know how to walk’
“She just did the emoji eyes and I was like, I’m not even going to reply and admit anything.
“She just knew straight away.
“I didn’t lie – I didn’t confirm or deny, I just left it to her own suspicions.”
Kimberely also kept bandmate and The Masked Singer winner Nicola Roberts in the dark for months.
“It didn’t tell her because I couldn’t, but now we can swap experiences, she probably could have given me a few tips,” Kimberely said.
“But I think dancing is quite different because the movement is so much more difficult as the helmet has to be so tight on your head, but that’s really hard whether you’re singing or dancing, I think.
“I just didn’t anticipate how hard the costume would be and how much of a challenge.
“I did choose probably the hardest costume and the mask is really full on, so you can’t really move you head fully, meaning you can’t move your body the same way.
“It was really quite challenging out of all the things I’ve done.
“To make any of the dancing read, I had to really go for it.”
But judges Peter Crouch, Davina McCall, John Bishop, Oti Mabuse and Jonathan Ross were shocked after none of them guessed correctly that it was Kimberley Walsh behind the mask.
Guesses included Amanda Holden, Angela Griffiths, Charlie Brooks and Michaela Strachan.
After taking off her mask, Kimberley said: “I love to dance but I have to be honest I did this for my kids.
“They love this show, but they had no idea. I had to pick odd socks I’m a mum of three boys!
“It was just brilliant, it was so nice to do something that is just fun and that my kids will appreciate. Guys, this one is for you!”
Kimberley shares sons Nate, one, Cole, four, and Bobby, six, with husband Justin Scott.
Fans previously insisted S Club 7’s Hannah Spearritt was behind Odd Socks, while others said it was rapper Lady Leshurr.
Other guesses included Big Brother host Emma Willis.
During the same episode, the identity of Sea Slug was also revealed.
Olympian and former Strictly star Denise Lewis proved judges Davina McCall and Oti Mabuse right when she appeared from behind the mask.
Viewers at home were quick to tweet about the unveiling, with one writing: “Legend! Denise Lewis!”
