Mike Myers fools everyone by secretly hosting a TV game show

If you've been wondering whatever happened to Mike Myers prepare to be amazed.

In an elaborate set-up, the Austin Powers star has been secretly hosting an American game show called The Gong Show.

Photo / Getty

Hidden beneath a grinning prosthetic mask Myers has been playing the show's cringe-inducing, catchphrase-spouting, host Tommy Maitland since last June.

Comedian Will Arnett, who is the executive producer of the show, introduced America to Maitland when he guest hosted the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

A second season of The Gong Show, a talent show which focuses on people with unusual skills and abilities, has just been renewed for a second season.

Myers involvement was officially outed when the network ABC recently added his name to the show's credits.

Arnett issued a statement keeping up the pretence that he had no idea that Maitland was not the real deal.

"I was just as surprised as the next guy when I heard The Gong Show's host, Tommy Maitland, was a character portrayed by the insanely talented Mike Myers. Despite this shocking news, I'm in total awe of the man, and we are so fortunate to have him as our brilliant host."

This article was first published on NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.