ITV has confirmed that Rita Ora won't be appearing on The Masked Dancer and has been replaced by Strictly professional Oti Mabuse.
This comes after the Mirror exclusively revealed that Rita would be the only Masked Singer judge is not returning following her lockdown breaking 30th birthday party last year.
However, Rita is also currently filming The Voice in Australia, so would be unable to take part regardless.
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Oti, who was also a judge on the BBC's The Greatest Dancer until it was axed in 2020, will be joining Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan and Davina McCall on the panel.
Joel Dommett will also be returning to present the programme.
On joining the show, Oti said: "I’m so thrilled and honoured to be joining the panel on The Masked Dancer. 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!!!"
Meanwhile Rita said: "The Masked Dancer is going to be sooo much fun I can’t wait to watch you all. Sending so much love all the way from Australia."
This comes after unusual and quirky programme The Masked Singer proved to be a passive ratings hit for ITV, prompting them to commission The Masked Dancer.
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The new show will see various celebrities dancing in colourful and cute outfits, with the judges attempting to guess who they are through their movements and subtle clues peppered throughout.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning said “The Masked Singer is a huge hit for ITV and our viewers can’t get enough of this colourful guessing game. The Masked Dancer will build on that success and create a new format that will be just as much fun and entertaining for our viewers.”
Opening up about the new show, Jonathan said "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. The title of best detective on the panel is most certainly coming my way!”
Meanwhile Mo, who was a new addition to the show this year after Ken Jeong was unable to appear due to coronavirus travel restrictions, said: "I love The Masked Singer. 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."
Davina added: "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.”
*The Masked Dancer is set to air on ITV later this year
