September 25th 2024.
The Masked Singer UK is back and fans are in for a surprise as we welcome a new judge to the panel. Rita Ora, who joined the show in 2020, has been replaced by the talented Maya Jama. The 33-year-old singer, who also appeared on the US version of the show, has moved on to other projects, making room for Maya to take over her spot.
It was previously reported that Rita had quit the show, but now it's official that Maya will be joining the panel alongside Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and host Joel Dommett. Maya, who is a huge fan of the show, expressed her excitement at being a part of it. She said, "I'm such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo - and of course working with Joel - is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to figure out who's underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings. I've watched the show for a long time, so I'm definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!"
Katie Rawcliffe, head of ITV's Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning, also shared her excitement about the new addition to the panel. She said, "The Masked Singer is back and promises to kick off 2025 with a bang. TV's favorite guessing game welcomes the sensational Maya Jama who will be joining our expert detectives, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan all alongside Joel Dommett. We can't wait."
The show's production company, Bandicoot TV, also welcomed Maya to the family. Co-founders Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean said, "When we decided to add a bombshell to the panel, we knew we need not look any further than Maya. She might be a style icon and fashion magazine cover girl, but when it comes to music, she's an absolute nerd, which might help her solve the clues as our newest celebrity detective. We are delighted to welcome her to The Masked Singer family."
While Rita has yet to address the news, it was reported earlier this week that she quit the show due to scheduling conflicts. However, she had previously expressed her love for the show and her excitement at being a part of it. When she joined the US version last year, she said, "I just felt like a 100% [yes], because I already knew the show so well, and I just love it and I love the excitement of it."
The last season of The Masked Singer UK saw Danny Jones crowned as the winner, after being disguised as Piranha, and competing against the likes of Lorraine Kelly and The Last Leg's Alex Brooker. Meanwhile, The Masked Dancer, which aired earlier this year, has reportedly been "axed" after struggling to compete with Strictly Come Dancing.
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