The Masked Dancer is back for its second series and once again the ITV show's celebrity cast will be attempting to baffle, bewilder, and bamboozle the panel and viewers with their fancy footwork while covered from head to toe in extravagant costumes. Read here to see all of this year's disguises.
Twelve celebrities will be stepping onto the dancefloor for this year's series of the sister show of The Masked Singer. Clue packages will accompany every Masked Dancer to help the panel crack the case of who the famous faces behind the masks are. Last year Olympian Louis Smith won the first series of the show under the guise of Carwash.
Presenter Joel Dommett will return to hosting duties and will be accompanied by series favourites Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and Oti Mabuse. One person who is notably missing from the judging panel is comedian Mo Gilligan. But why's he not there and who is replacing him? Read on for all the answers.
Read more: The Masked Dancer UK 2022 start date, judges and show first as season 2 line-up announced
Why is Mo Gilligan not returning for series two of The Masked Dancer?
Earlier this year Mo released a statement saying that he would not be back for the second series of The Masked Dancer because of his current touring arrangements. The statement from the 34-year-old read: "I love being a part of the Masked Team so I’m gutted to be missing most of the series this year as I’ll be working in the US."
After presenting a pilot for new game show That’s My Jam in LA Mo is said to have caught the eye of US television executives who are desperate to sign him for future projects. Meanwhile, here in the UK, Mo is presenting a reboot of Channel 4's The Big Breakfast alongside AJ Odudu. But who will be filling the vacant space on the judging panel?
Who is replacing Mo Gilligan on The Masked Dancer?
Football legend Peter Crouch has been confirmed to fill in for Mo during this year's series of The Masked Dancer. Following the news that Peter would be taking over Mo said: "A legend on and off the pitch and one of the nicest guys in the industry, Crouchy knows a thing or two about fancy footwork. W’ve got this!"
Peter, who is renowned for his beloved robot dance move, said upon joining the series: “The show is a firm favourite in our household and when asked I jumped at the chance to take part. I am competitive and I'm currently scrolling through friends' socials looking for those telltale dance moves. Another plus is by being on the panel my social media, family, and friends won’t be constantly speculating that I’m hiding behind one of the masks!”
The Masked Dancer returns to ITV on Saturday, September 3, at 6.30pm. For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
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