Gloria Hunniford reveals 'Masked Singer' secrets including her code name

Gloria Hunniford has revealed the intense behind-the-scenes secrecy of The Masked Singer, including balaclavas and code names.

The 82-year-old presenter appeared on the third series of the show earlier this year, where she was unmasked on the second episode after performing as Snow Leopard.

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Hunniford told the Mirror about the intense "cloak and dagger" operation in which celebrities enter the Masked Singer studio, wearing a sweatshirt that says "don't talk to me" and a balaclava with a visor.

"Getting into the actual costume was a bit of a relief. I felt like a cat burglar," she said.

Watch: Natalie Imbruglia wins series three of The Masked Singer

Hunniford added: "You just look ridiculous. But it was all worth it to be lucky enough to take part in such a wonderful show."

The Loose Women panellist praised the "amazing" lengths the show's team go to in order to maintain secrecy.

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The Rip Off Britain star said she never saw another performer in costume during her time backstage and was referred to by a secret code name.

She said: "Even when you are doing a bit of vocal rehearsal, my pseudonym was Sugar. It was like: 'Sugar has to be picked up at such and such a time'."

Hunniford will look back at her 50-year career in the new documentary Gloria: My Life on TV, which is due to air on BBC One on Easter Monday.

She began her career as a singer before moving across to television in the 1970s and becoming the first woman to host a daily show on BBC Radio 2 in 1982.

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The star still appears on Loose Women and hosts consumer affairs show Rip Off Britain, which has been commissioned to run until at least 2024.

Hunniford said she has no plans to slow down any time soon, crediting her longevity to the fact she is "lucky to have a natural zest".

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