The Masked Singer’s Dave Hughes fuming at inconsistencies for state border exemptions

The Masked Singer judge Dave Hughes has implored people to get vaccinated, and also hit out at states’ inconsistent rules for sport stars and everyday Aussies.

It’s somewhat ironic the unmasked celebrities are more initially transfixed with Dave Hughes’s new facial hair than the rollercoaster ride they’ve just been through.

Hughesy unveiled his moustache on the opening episode of this third season of The Masked Singer Australia. He’d grown a beard in lockdown and when it came time to film, he started to shave it all off but decided he’d try out the “dirty mo”.

“The masks would come off and the person underneath would just want to talk about (the mo) – I’m like ‘you just had an amazing experience, we cannot be talking about this’,” Hughesy laughs.

The unmasked celebrities have been transfixed by Dave “Hughesy” Hughes and his new mo. Picture: Instagram

While the celebrities were mostly in favour of his new look, his household is somewhat divided on whether the 50-year-old should keep it.

“My wife’s on the fence and the kids hate it,” Hughesy says.

“They think it’s ridiculous and are embarrassed by it.

“But I’ll have to keep it now ’til the show’s finished on air. Don’t want to confuse people.”

He’s also confused some people recently with his passionate calls for people to get vaxxed.

“People keep asking me who’s paying me (to spruik the Covid vaccine),” Hughesy says.

“No one is freaking paying me. I just want to perform stand-up and travel interstate and not be stuck in my house.

The brekkie radio host desperately misses live comedy, but acknowledges he’s one of the lucky ones as he hasn’t stopped working throughout the pandemic with his radio show and TV gigs including The Masked Singer and Hughesy, We Have A Problem.

Hughesy says his mind was blown on numerous occasions who was unmasked as the talent on The Masked Singer. Picture: Ten

“My heart goes out to all of our live performers and many sections of the population who’ve suffered work-wise over the past 18 months.

“I’m just hoping that in 2022 we can open up and all get out and about and go between the bloody states, if not internationally.

“Just get vaccinated people – so we can get out and about.”

The mad Carlton supporter is also fuming at the inconsistencies for state border exemptions, with sporting teams able to travel almost unencumbered.

“I just wish we could all be on the same page,” Hughesy says.

“Port Adelaide and teams from Melbourne fly in and out for footy. Are they quarantined for two weeks? No, no they are not.

“People can say ‘you’re a hypocrite, you got to go do a TV show’ and I understand that. I just want everyone to be on the same page.”

Speaking of TV shows, the opening night of the new season of the ratings juggernaut is an “absolute pearler” according to Hughesy.

And there’s a whole heap of OMGs as the series progresses, which seemingly confirms the rumours of decent international talent.

“I love that people are going to be so shocked – there are some really big names under the masks,” Hughesy teases.

“There are some world-famous names. So many times I was like ‘I can’t believe you have done this show’.”

Judges Dannii Minogue, Hughesy, Jackie O and Urzila Carlson get down to a performance in the first episode of The Masked Singer Australia. Picture: Nigel Wright

But does he successfully guess any of these fabulous faces?

“I wouldn’t like to give away any secrets – you’ll just have to see how embarrassed I am by the time I get to the reveal,” Hughesy jokes.

“A few of them would go ‘WTF? how did you not know it was me?’.”

Judges Dannii Minogue and Jackie O are renowned for their intensive research, but Hughesy prefers to just be in the moment.

“I go to the girls ‘just calm down, life is a mystery … you never know what you’re going to get’,” he laughs.

Host Osher Gunsberg with Professor and the Volcano – another two of Tim Chappel’s amazing creations in season 3 of The Masked Singer. Picture: Nigel Wright

Oscar-winning costume designer Tim Chappel has worked his magic once again – with Met Gala-worthy creations including the Vampire, Atlantis, and the Pinata.

He’s also had a heap of fun with the Pavlova, Mullet and, especially, the Kebab.

“To be honest I was basically eating kebabs every night,” Hughesy shares.

“I had a stack of kebabs. Falafel because I’m vegan. But I was really honoured to do that kind of research.”

While kebab eating was enjoyable, the Vampire – who transported him back to his childhood and his fear of the mythical creature – was less so.

“I’ve always been scared of them,” Hughesy says.

“It started when I watched Salem’s Lot which is based on a Stephen King book.

“I remember going to bed as a child and wearing rosary beads so the vampire wouldn’t get me. Although I did feel our Vampire might have turned me around.”

Hughesy’s been similarly challenged by homeschooling his three kids – Raff, Sadie and Tess.

“But let’s be honest I’m not doing much. They seem to know what they’re doing. I don’t want to get in the way.

“I turn up in the morning and they’re like ‘shut up. We’re in a meeting’. I’m like ‘I can do that’.”

The Masked Singer Australia, Monday, 7.30pm, TEN