Why is Rita Ora not on The Masked Dancer and who has replaced her?

The Masked Dancer kicks off on ITV tonight, and we couldn’t be more excited.

The reality competition show – and spin-off to popular series The Masked Singer – will see 12 celebrities dress up in costumes to perform alongside a ‘masked partner’ in a series of different dance styles.

Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse will join the judging panel alongside Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan, who will all attempt to guess the celebrities’ identities.

Joel Dommett will be hosting the series.

Rita Ora – who was a regular judge on The Masked Singer – will not be joining her fellow judges on the new reality show.

But why? Here’s all you need to know

Why was Rita Ora replaced on the Masked Dancer?

Rita Ora was unable to return for The Masked Dancer, as she is reportedly too tied up with filming commitments for The Voice in Australia.

Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse has taken her place.

Oti, who is married to professional dancer Marius lepure, 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!’

Oti won the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Bill Bailey.

The professional dancer will join Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Jonathan Ross on the panel.

‘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,’ added Jonathan.

‘The title of best detective on the panel is most certainly coming my way!

The Masked Dancer will fill the time slot usually reserved for Britain’s Got Talent’s live shows, which would’ve been due to air this week had it not been for the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Masked Dancer was filmed in advance of its broadcast on TV, with a virtual audience in attendance.

The Masked Dancer starts tonight at 7pm on ITV.

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