Olly Murs to ‘replace Rita Ora’ as a panellist on The Masked Singer UK following his shock axe as a judge on The Voice
Olly Murs will appear as a panelist on The Masked Singer UK following his axing as a judge on The Voice.
Pop star Olly, 39, was given the go-ahead from his long-running role on The Voice earlier this year, but will now appear alongside regular panellists Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan on the next series of the ITV1 singing competition.
Along with other famous faces, he will replace Rita Ora, 32, on the panel, as she has a number of ‘daily conflicts’ which mean she will not be available for some filming dates.
The source said Sun: ‘The booking will be encouraging for Oli. His departure from The Voice came as a shock, so knowing that ITV still rates him and wants him on the channel will be a huge boost.
“It’s a sign that they see him as part of the family and that he will be considered for future projects.”
Moving on: Olly Murs, 39, is set to appear as a panelist on The Masked Singer UK following his axing as a judge on The Voice (Oli pictured on The Voice last September)
Busy bee: Along with other famous faces, Oli will replace Rita Ora, 32, on the panel as she has a number of ‘daily conflicts’ which mean she won’t be available for some filming dates
“Oli is of course a pro when it comes to music, as well as having a lot of experience as a TV judge. Besides, the audience already loves him. Everything makes perfect sense.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV and a representative for Ollie for comment.
In September, Troublemaker singer Olly explained that he was ‘devastated’ and ‘shocked’ to be axed from The Voice, after spending five years as a judge on the talent show.
He said: “I got the call to say I’m not coming back to the show, and it’s a bit of a shock to be honest. I didn’t expect that. He’ll find someone great, I’m sure. But will I miss it? Yes.
‘Did I want to leave? Not. Will I still watch the show? Of course, but it will hurt to think that it could have been me.’
Hitmaker Rita is unable to film every episode of The Masked Singer UK due to other work commitments.
The news that former X Factor star Olly will replace her comes just days after it was revealed that Absolutely Fabulous actress Jennifer Saunders will also sit in on occasion.
One of Rita’s upcoming commitments is her role in The Masked Singer US, where she is set to replace Nicole Scherzinger in series 11.
International: One of Rita’s upcoming commitments is her role in The Masked Singer US, where she is set to replace Nicole Scherzinger in series 11 (Rita pictured in The Masked Singer UK 2021)
Of her absence, Rita said: “I’m sorry to miss some episodes in the new season, but keeping the place warm are some great guest panelists who I’m told are also super competitive and will keep the others on their toes, especially jonathan! Bring.’
The source also said Sun: ‘Rita is a big part of the Masked Singer family alongside Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan and Davina McCall and she will be missed.
“The show is a big part of Rita’s life, but her busy schedule means she will miss a few shows in the upcoming series.
“Filming of the new part starts in the coming weeks and Rita will be there when she can.”
‘Show bosses are lining up some star-studded celebrity guests to hold down the fort while Rita is away and can’t wait to surprise fans with who they booked.’
Last month, it was revealed that Rita will be replacing Nicole on the US version of the hit competition.
The Pussicat Dolls singer will not appear in the show’s 11th season after returning to London’s West End to play Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.
As announced on the show’s social media channels, Rita will join Ken Jeong, Jenna McCarthy-Wahlberg and Robin Thicke on the panel for the upcoming season.