'Embarrassing' Soccer Aid scenes as Stephen Mulhern is unmasked - then thrown off the pitch

Soccer Aid viewers watched as Stephen Mulhern was unmasked as The Masked Winger during the charity football game.

In the run-up to the star-studded match for UNICEF at the Etihad Stadium, a mystery footballer was teased dressed up as a giant whistle.

The Masked Winger, in a spin-off of the hit ITV series The Masked Singer, appeared in TV adverts and appearances to promote the game between the England and the World XI teams held at the home of Manchester City.

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Tonight, the character was unmasked as TV prankster Stephen Mulhern, who hosts the game show In For A Penny and is a regular on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

One person penned on Twitter: "The big build up, and the masked winger turns out to be...Stephen Mulhern. #SoccerAid.

"But that was so embarrassing I like Stephen Mulhern but pls stop," said another.

Stephen played on in the costume but was eventually carried off the pitch by a laughing Mark Wright and dropped to the floor.

His outfit included a question mark on his chest, two giant footballs on each shoulder and comically oversized football boots.

A different viewer commented: "Omg they’re making Stephen Mulhern play in that costume after the most embarrassing and overhyped reveal in history. SCREAMING in tears"

But other Soccer Aid viewers showed their love for Stephen.

One said: "Mulhern is a national treasure and I won’t be told otherwise #SoccerAid."

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Another agreed: "Stephen Mulhern is a national treasure #SoccerAid."

Another viewer said: "Amazing Stephen Mulhern running around the pitch in that costume is brilliant #SoccerAid."

Stephen said: “It’s the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep…and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m rubbish at keeping secrets!"

"Today has been brilliant, but also a little strange! I have been walking past people I’ve known for 25 years and haven’t been able to say hello!"

"I’m not ashamed to say I was a little nervous walking onto the pitch and taking off the mask. But what an experience!"

The money raised from this year’s game will help UNICEF fight back against the Covid-19 pandemic by helping to deliver 2 billion vaccines worldwide.

Donate now at socceraid.org.uk/donate