Giraffe’s unmasking was no surprise to investigators and viewers alike. Although James Cooke has done everything he can not to be recognized. “I practiced extra during rehearsals to sing as low as possible,” he says. “But to no avail, I just have a very recognizable voice. I also chalk it up to my childish enthusiasm. That enthusiasm is inherent to me and I cannot and do not want to hide it.” (Read more below the photo)
James Cooke was recognized almost unanimously. — © VTM
House hunting
Although his husband Dorian knew about his secret, James regularly had to make up lies. “I saved myself by saying I was looking for a new house,” says James. “I often scour real estate sites, that’s kind of my hobby. That’s often the first thing I do when I wake up. I told everyone that I had to go to various viewings with real estate agents. Sometimes I even sent photos of houses that weren’t even for sale. All to make it as believable as possible. But so here it is: I am not looking for a new home. You can stop sending home tips.” (Read more below the photo)
James Cooke meets Giraffe for the first time. — © VTM
“Initially we didn’t even intend to inform Dorian,” says James. “I actually wanted to surprise him. It had show what if I could make a video of his reaction during the unmasking? But that was too difficult. I also just wanted to be able to practice dance steps and singing at home in the living room. He also gave me some tips. But I had to keep quiet about other people. That was very difficult with my nieces. They slowly started to realize it.”
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Several people in the detective panel had also guessed that James was in the suit. “That cannot be otherwise, of course, if all investigators are good friends,” he says. “The best part was that I often met them on the day of the recordings. Then they told me: ‘Tonight I have to judge again.’ And then I was stupid: ‘Ah, are those recordings already in progress?’ In the beginning they often talked about the different figures in my presence. And then they guessed names. Sometimes they were talking about Giraffe and they couldn’t think of my name. Very funny.”
From Wolf to Giraffe
James also came into the spotlight during season 1. Many then thought he was Wolf, his own mother was also convinced it was him. Then Wolf’s suit contained Kevin Janssens. “My mother sent me: ‘A mother’s heart never lies’. She was so convinced that I was. Even my father at the time sent me: ‘Well done, pear.’ And I just say it wasn’t me. But this time my parents didn’t send anything. However, I am sure that they recognized me, but after last time they have become a little more careful.” (Read more below the photo)
James Cooke practiced singing extra low. This way he hoped to be recognized less quickly. — © VTM
Deal Play4 and VTM
The masked singer has been showcasing the biggest names for years, but James – one of the most famous TV faces in Flanders – has only now been featured. “It’s true that they had already asked me two years earlier. I really wanted to do that at the time, but the agenda never allowed it. I was with at the time James from musical made a musical about Dina Tersago. As you may know, as a broadcaster you cannot simply put BV faces from a foreign broadcaster in your program. That is an exchange between the channels. VTM agreed at the time to ‘lend’ Dina and then asked me to participate The masked singer. So I had known for a while that I could participate, but when exactly was still a question mark. Now my schedule somewhat allowed it, so I immediately said yes.”
“I saved myself by saying I was looking for a new house. I told everyone that I had to go to various viewings with real estate agents. Sometimes I even sent photos of houses that were not even for sale”
James Cooke
But James’ schedule is and remains busy. In his little spare time, he had to practice for it The masked singer. “Dorian and I have often practiced together. Yes, it’s true that it’s busy, but don’t worry: our relationship can certainly handle it. That’s how we are. When one person gets the opportunity of a lifetime to do what he loves, the other will be the biggest supporter. Me with him and he with me. That was no different now.” (Read more below the photo)
James Cooke (right) with Jens Dendoncker (left) on stage of ‘The masked singer’. — © VTM
The recordings of The masked singer fell simultaneously with that of Jani and James: do it themselves. “Tough, because after the recording of Jani as James then came The masked singer and the next day I had to be back on set at six o’clock Jani as James. Of course you can’t say: ‘Men, I have a late admission.’ Because otherwise you’re revealing too much. That secrecy is sometimes not easy. So yes, that did take a while.”
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“But let me make one thing clear: it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed myself immensely. A few years ago I was allowed to Over the ocean participating, that was it for me most beautiful adventurous program that I ever had the pleasure of experiencing. But The masked singer it was nicest adventurous program in which I was once allowed to participate. It was so cool, especially the atmosphere behind the scenes. I’ve been looking forward to this for two years and it was 100 percent worth it.”
READ ALSO. Best friends Jani Kazaltzis and James Cooke now also make television together: “We have one argument every year, and it’s always about the same thing”
