Comedian Mo Gilligan is to replace Ken Jeong on the second series of the hit ITV show.
Comedian Mo Gillian is to take his place and join returning panellists Rita Ora, Davina McCall and Jonathan Ross. Joel Dommett returns to host the singing contest like no other.
Due to current restrictions on international travel Ken Jeong will not be a regular panellist this season but hopes to make an appearance or two during the series. He remains a huge part of The Masked Singer family and will shortly complete filming on season 4 in the US.
Across eight shows a fresh cast of twelve celebrities, complete with new and ever flamboyantly elaborate character costumes, will be singing and concealing their identities as they attempt to stump viewers and the panel alike on who they could possibly be.
Mo Gilligan said: "It’s a real privilege to be joining The Masked Singer team. It’s one of the funniest shows out there and I’m really proud to play my small part to help bring a little bit of joy to the nation. I can’t wait to join Jonathan, Rita, Davina, Joel and hopefully Ken! Now… let’s get cracking."
Ken Jeong said: “I had so much fun on season 1 of The Masked Singer UK, I told the team nothing short of a global pandemic would stop me from coming back for Season 2! I am gutted because I truly love working with Joel, Rita, Davina, Jonathan and everyone at Bandicoot and ITV. I hope when things start to normalize I can return and offer my expertise on all things British, like the Australian Open. Please take care, be safe, and as the title of the show suggests, wear a mask.”
Davina McCall said: "Absolutely loved playing Detective Davina last year, I’ve really missed it... can't wait to play all over again. Ken can’t sit next to me at the start of the new series but maybe I’ll be less distracted and more on it with my guesses (think we all know that’s not going to happen :-) shhhhh)! Really, really hope to see him back if he can make it over but until then I’m literally beside myself about sitting next to Mo... Can't wait to get guessing along with you, Rita and Jonathan."
Rita Ora said: "I had so much fun last season, I can't wait to be back on the panel again this year. It's incredible to be part of such a unique and loved show. It's got everything that you could ever want for Saturday night entertainment - it's fun, witty, full of surprises, not to mention the amazing costumes, and this year we're welcoming the hilarious Mo Gilligan to the show - he's going to be a great addition to the panel."
Jonathan Ross said: "I had a ball on The Masked Singer and am thrilled that we get to do the whole thing again and so excited that the brilliant Mo Gilligan is joining us this year. It's great to have him on the panel and hopefully we'll also get to see Ken back during the run. But most of all I’m excited to see who will be under the masks!"
Joel Dommett said: “I’m super excited to have Mo on The Masked Singer panel. He is one of the best comedians around right now and I’m proud to have him on the team! He will provide the good guesses and good looks that Jonathan and I struggle with.”
The Masked Singer is expected to air on ITV in the new year.