The Masked Dancer has been confirmed by ITV – and its star judges revealed.
The Masked Singer spin-off will see famous faces conceal their identities behind outlandish costumes and show off their moves onstage with four judges tasked with deducing who they are from vague clues.
The panel is almost identical to that of the original series, but one judge who isn’t returning for the new show is singer Rita Ora.
Joel Dommett is back on hosting duties, with Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan – who was new to the most recent series of The Masked Singer – back at the judges’ bench.
And filling in the fourth seat instead of Rita will be none other than Strictly’s two-time pro champion Oti Mabuse.
Rita Ora will not be part of The Masked Dancer despite her time on The Masked Singer (Image: ITV)
“I’m so thrilled and honoured to be joining the panel on The Masked Dancer,” Oti said.
“I’m a huge fan of The Masked Singer and I loved the US Masked Dancer so I just can’t wait to start on this show. As a dancer I will be watching the dancers intently looking for clues – it’s going to be so much fun!”
The news comes Rita was criticised in November for throwing her 30th birthday party at a London restaurant, despite lockdown rules.
Strictly fave Oti is the fourth judge (Image: Channel 4)
However, rather being a direct hit back of the Bang Bang babe, it’s simply a scheduling issue with Rita currently living Down Under after bagging a job on The Voice Australia.
Last year the since shared an apology, telling fans she’s “deeply sorry” for the “inexcusable” party.
The Masked Singer UK’s second series drew to a close last month, with Joss Stone revealed as the star behind character Sausage.
And the judges are ecstatic for the new format, Jonathan joking: “What people don’t know is that secretly I am an expert in dance and can spot a ball change from a box step no problem.
Joel Dommett will be back to host The Masked Dancer (Image: ITV)
“The title of best detective on the panel is most certainly coming my way!”
“I love The Masked Singer,” Mo chimed in, “It’s a crazy bit of joy, which we all need right now – so when ITV asked if I wanted to join The Masked Dancer I, of course, said a huge yes!
“I’m really looking forward to getting back with the team for another brilliant series.”
And Davina enthused: “I love playing detective and I love dancing so what could be better?!
“I’m currently swotting up on all things dance in preparation and I will be watching those celebrity feet like a hawk. They always have such an amazing cast on The Masked Singer so it could literally be anyone hiding and dancing behind those masks and that’s what makes it so exciting.”
It’s not currently known when The Masked Dancer will air.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
