The Masked Singer UK: Chris Kamara revealed as Ghost after apraxia of speech ... trends now
Chris Kamara has been unmasked as Ghost on The Masked Singer in the first elimination - after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech.
The former Sky Sports pundit, 64, was revealed to be hiding under the ghost costume in the new series debut episode.
He said he had done the show for his grandchildren, saying: 'My grandkids, we'll sit around together and they’ll have no idea. They love this show. They just sing ‘take it off’ and grandad’s going to turn around!'
Wow! Chris Kamara has been unmasked as Ghost on The Masked Singer in the first elimination - after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech
He added: 'I did it for the grandkids. I want to see the surprise on their faces when they see me unmasked on the show.
'Not even my wife knows so it’s going to be a surprise for the whole family. I’m not the best at keeping secrets so I’m not sure what will shock them most, taking part in the show or keeping it a secret.'
Chris also explained several of the clues about his identity, sharing that he previously had two albums out, and has done duets with big stars, such as Robbie Williams and Danny Jones.
Surprise! The former Sky Sports pundit, 64, was revealed to be hiding under the ghost costume in the new series debut episode
The judges were gobsmacked, after having guessed the identity of Ghost as John Bishop and Iain Stirling.
Fans at home were not as easily deceived however, and many guessed that the former footballer was under the mask.
It comes after Chris went public about his apraxia of speech (AOS) diagnosis last year.
It was an end of an era for Chris when he left his Sky Sports jobs after 24 years at the end of last season due to the condition.
Sweet: He said he had done the show for his grandchildren, saying: 'I did it for the grandkids. I want to see the surprise on their faces when they see me unmasked on the show'
Explanation: Chris also explained several of the clues about his identity, sharing that he previously had two albums out, and has done duets with big stars, such as Robbie Williams and Danny Jones
AOS can make it difficult to pronounce words correctly, and led to people often thinking Chris was 'drunk' due to his slurred speech.
He said he felt 'a fraud' as a broadcaster having learned he had the condition earlier this year.
A documentary called for Lost For Words about Chris coming to terms with the condition was broadcast earlier this month.
Apraxia is a neurological condition that affects the body's ability to perform natural motor functions, with many sufferers developing problems with speech.
Sad: It comes after Chris went public about his apraxia of speech (AOS) diagnosis last year
He was also diagnosed with an underactive thyroid last year and has stepped away from the majority of his broadcasting roles due to the issue.
The Middlesbrough-born presenter quit Sky due to the demands of live broadcasting but has continued working for ITV on a number of pre-recorded television shows.
Chris has fought to overcome his speech issues and recently returned to screens to co-host The Games and Ninja Warrior UK.
Fans originally became concerned for the pundit when they noticed he was slurring some of his words when reporting live from matches, with Chris eventually revealing that he had been dealing with the issue for two years.
Work: The Middlesbrough-born presenter quit Sky due to the demands of live broadcasting but has continued working for ITV on a number of pre-recorded television shows
After he was unmasked, viewers took to Twitter to praise him for his performance and for 'letting nothing stop him'.
One said: 'Is it possible to love @chris_kammy even more?? The Masked Singer!!!! Legend!!!!'
While another tweeted: '@chris_kammy What an absolute bloody legend you are!!!'
A third echoed: @chris_kammy is just awesome doing @MaskedSingerUK letting nothing stop him ❤️ hope you're grandchildren were thrilled to see you shame you weren't #Ghost for long #TheMaskedSingerUK'.
A fourth agreed, writing: '@chris_kammy well I hope the grand kids enjoyed that, #Ghost #TheMaskedSingerUK well done Kammy'.
