Surely one of the TV strangest shows to grace our screens, The Masked Dancer is back for a second season and the guessing game is in full swing.

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So far, three celebrities have been unmasked, but there are plenty of mysteries left to unravel - including the true identity of prickly performer Cactus.

The character made their dancing debut on the second episode of the season, grooving to Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca, and the judges received a handful of clues which suggested that the celebrity inside the bright green get-up is used to appearing in front of big crowds.

Could they be a singer? A sportsperson? Or, erm, as one of the judges suggested, a snooker player?

Ahead of Cactus’ second performance, here’s what we know so far.

Who is Cactus?

Cactus performs on The Masked Dancer 2022
Cactus performs on The Masked Dancer 2022 ITV

Dances, songs, clues and guesses

Songs:

  • Episode 2 – Livin' La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin

Clues:

  • It's time to "step into the ring" with Cactus.
  • Famous for "putting on a show".
  • In the VT, there was a sign for the Hall of Fame.
  • He has conquered some "pretty iconic venues".
  • Doesn't want to get "busted" any time soon.
  • "I often get mistaken for a mythical beast".

Guesses:

  • Danny O'Donoghue
  • Ronnie O'Sullivan
  • Danny Jones
  • Alan Carr
  • Ritchie Neville

The Masked Dancer theories

Is Cactus Danny Jones?

We know that Cactus is famous for “putting on a show” and has appeared at some “pretty iconic venues”. Danny Jones’ band McFly has performed at the O2 Arena and Wembley Arena in recent years. The group also famously teamed up with their pals Matt Willis and James Bourne from Busted for the McBusted tour (which could link to Cactus’s Busted name-drop).

Fans also spotted a “Silence” sign in Cactus’ VT, which could potentially be a nod to Jones’ role as a judge on The Voice. As for the “mythical beast reference”, though? We’re stumped.

Who is in The Masked Dancer 2022 UK line-up?

There are 12 characters in this year's line-up, and three have already been unmasked.

On the first episode, Astronaut was revealed to be Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe. Then, in the second instalment, Pig turned out to be actress Joanna Page, while the following week, Prawn Cocktail was unmasked as TV presenter Stacey Dooley.

Below is a list of all of contestants in season 2:

The Masked Dancer airs on ITV on Saturdays. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.

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