Rita Ora has been one of the key components of ITV's The Masked Singer - but it looks like she isn't going to be appearing on the new spin-off series of the show. Meanwhile, it's believed other judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan plus presenter Joel Dommett have all been invited to return for The Masked Dancer, which is set to air on screens later this year.
Of course, this news comes weeks after Rita broke the rules during lockdown 2 to host her 30th birthday party at a restaurant in Notting Hill (Rita apologised 'unreservedly' and offered to pay the maximum £10,000 fine for breaking regulations). In fact, following the furore, the star was reportedly 'quietly dropped' from the bizarre EE ad she was starring in, where she appeared as a giant.
'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,' a source told The Mirror. 'Such a lot of effort goes into keeping the talent and crew safe while making it – many people felt let down by the way Rita behaved. She has not done herself any favours.'
According to the reports, Strictly's Oti Mabuse is being tipped to replace the singer. A source added that Rita's filming schedule is the reason she isn't going to appear on the series, saying: 'It's common knowledge that [Rita]'s in Australia and will be filming The Voice for the next few months.'
Just like its sister series, The Masked Dancer will see a load of random celebrities in even more random disguises - but this time, instead of singing, they'll be dancing. The finale to The Masked Singer - which was filmed in September last year - will air this Saturday.
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READ MORE: Rita Ora Apologises For ‘Inexcusable’ Party After ‘Paying £10k Fine’ For Breaking Lockdown Rules