The Masked Singer: Could Rita Ora be MAYPOLE?

Image source, Getty Images / ITV

Fans of ITV's The Masked Singer have come up with a surprising answer to the identity of one of the show's contestants.

Judge Rita Ora has been missing from the latest episodes of the competition show, which ITV said is because she is currently working in the United States.

But some viewers believe that Rita is still taking part in the show, disguised as the talented singer, Maypole.

In fact it's not just fans who suspect the judge has turned contestant - one of the judges agrees.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Could Maypole be popstar Anne Marie or politician Theresa May?

Comedian Mo Gilligan is convinced Rita has become a Masked Singer double agent.

"Why is she not here, because she's here?" Mo explained, saying he feels he is being "bamboozled".

Davina McCall wasn't convinced however, saying she thought the singer could be Anne Marie.

Jonathan Ross threw out a curveball guess, suggesting that Maypole could in fact be former British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Do you have any other guesses for this year's The Masked Singer?

Not sure where to start? You can check out all the performers here.

Let us know in the comments.