The talk show host on NTV’s Mask, Vyacheslav Makarov, lightheartedly teased Regina Todorenko during a live broadcast. The moment drew attention as Todorenko often approaches each appearance with a touch of theatrical character creation, turning every number into a mini literary snapshot. In the tenth episode of the fourth season, Makarov attempted a playful guess about the persona Todorenko would embody, asking, with a wink, if she was perhaps Irina Allegrova. The host’s quip injected a burst of humor into the studio, inviting a round of laughter from the audience.
Todorenko, however, did not appreciate the comparison to the widely known singer. She clarified that her on-screen transformations were rooted in fictional roles rather than real-life celebrities. Responding with a hint of irritation, she suggested that the comparison to Allegrova was unnecessary, noting that her aim was to explore a different kind of artistry on the show. Phillip Kirkorov, a prominent figure in the music world, expressed surprise at Todorenko’s reaction, asking what was really wrong with the joke and encouraging a lighthearted take on the moment. The exchange highlighted the delicate balance between playful banter and respect among performers in a televised format.
Todorenko then explained that the costumes for the show are crafted as visual representations of literary figures created specifically for the fourth season. She shared that one character she portrayed came from her own work, a children’s book titled “The Traveler Regina Saves Australia.” The actress revealed that she authored the book herself and chose to step into the title role in the televised fantasy, presenting herself to the audience as Regina, the traveler with a mission. This admission added an extra layer of personal connection to her on-screen persona, underscoring how Todorenko blends storytelling with performance on the program.
In the tenth episode of the season, which also served as the semi-final of the Mask competition, the jury members unmasked Hamster. The reveal showed that the singer Anita Tsoi had been hidden beneath the costume all along. The moment drew cheers from the crowd and prompted reflections on the identity clues that had guided the judges through the competition. The unmasking of Hamster marked a pivotal turn in the episode, heightening anticipation for the final rounds and further emphasizing the show’s emphasis on performance, mystery, and surprise. As the semi-final concluded, viewers were left with a renewed sense of curiosity about the remaining masked contestants and the stories they would tell through their concealed identities. [Source: NTV Mask broadcast recap]