Oti Mabuse ‘to replace’ Rita Ora as judge snubbed from The Masked Singer spin-off

The Masked Singer: Rita Ora stuns in a red ensemble

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With Britain’s Got Talent no longer going away this Spring, ITV have ordered a series of The Masked Dancer, which is set to air later this year. It’s been reported that while regular judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan and presenter Joel Dommett will appear, Rita Ora has been snubbed from the line-up.

Instead, it is believed Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse is being eyed up by ITV bosses to join the judging panel.

Oti has plenty of experience judging after she was on The Greatest Dancer alongside Matthew Morrison and Cheryl.

She also won’t be back on Strictly until the Autumn meaning Oti has time to step in and judge The Greatest Dancer.

The reports come after Rita has been slammed by The Masked Singer viewers after celebrating her 30th birthday in lockdown with a party at a restaurant in Notting Hill.

While the singer has apologised, it’s believed Oti will take her place on the spin-off series to bring dance expertise.

“Viewers have been watching Rita on Saturday nights for weeks, but the Masked Singer was recorded way before her birthday bash at the end of November,” an insider revealed.

“Many people felt let down by the way Rita behaved.

“She has not done herself any favours.”

The unnamed source added to Mirror Online of rumours Oti will join the spin-off: “With her dance experience and popularity with audiences, she’d be perfect for The Masked Dancer.

“Everyone’s very hopeful that she’ll sign.”

The Masked Singer has been a big hit in the UK after it shot to success in the US, which is currently airing a The Masked Dancer series.

It will follow a similar format to The Masked Singer with celebrities trying to impress judges with their dancing skills.

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ITV bosses are said to be planning to air the spin-off across a week in May when the Britain’t Got Talent finals would air.

Meanwhile, The Masked Singer season two comes to an end on ITV this weekend with Sausage, Badger and Robin battling out to be crowned champion.

There are plenty of guesses as to who is under each mask with Olly Murs, Stacey Solomon, Sheridan Smith and Aston Merrygold rumoured to be taking part.

Fans will be pleased to hear the show will be returning for a third series next year.

“After some discussions, ITV agreed to splash the cash for another series,” an insider told the Daily Star newspaper.

“The format is such a hit with viewers, so they know it’ll be worth it.

“They are already making plans for when to film it and which celebs they’d love to sign up.

“They want the third series to be the best yet.”

The Masked Singer concludes Saturday on ITV at 7pm.

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