Rita Ora 'not invited back for The Masked Dancer'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 7d

Rita Ora is apparently snubbed by ITV for new show The Masked Dancer following her lockdown rule break last November.

Rita Ora has reportedly been snubbed for a judging spot on The Masked Dancer.

ITV is pressing ahead with the spinoff of The Masked Singer and is thought to have fast-tracked the show following the cancellation of Britain's Got Talent due to coronavirus.

According to The Mirror, producers have invited Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan to be part of the panel for the new show but are hoping to sign Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse as a replacement for Ora.

The popstar hit the headlines in November after she held an illegal birthday party for 30 friends at a restaurant in West London - a time when she was also supposed to be quarantining after returning from a trip to Egypt.

A source told the newspaper: "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.

"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."

Talking about Mabuse, the source added: "With her dance experience and popularity with audiences, she'd be perfect for The Masked Dancer. Everyone's very hopeful that she'll sign."

The Masked Dancer is expected to air later this spring, while the current series of The Masked Dancer finishes on ITV on Saturday.