First look at Maya Jama on The Masked Singer as Love Island host joins star-studded panel
The Masked Singer UK will be back on screens for a new series this January, but the judging panel will be slightly different. Love Island host Maya Jama will join the ITV show and try to work out which famous faces are behind the masks when different characters take to the stage.
She will join Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan on the panel after replacing I Will Never Let You Down singer Rita Ora. Rita, 34, stepped down from the series after five seasons. Earlier this year, when Maya was announced as Rita's replacement, she shared in a statement: "I'm such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo – and of course working with Joel – is going to be so much fun!" Comedian Joel Dommett is returning as host of the award-winning series.
Earlier this year, when Maya was announced as Rita's replacement, she shared in a statement: "I'm such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo – and of course working with Joel – is going to be so much fun!" Comedian Joel Dommett is returning as host of the award-winning series.
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She added: "I can't wait to figure out who's underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings.
"I've watched the show for a long time, so I'm definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!"
Show producers Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean said of Maya joining the show: "When we decided to add a bombshell to the panel, we knew we need not look any further than Maya.
"She might be a style icon and fashion magazine cover girl, but when it comes to music, she's an absolute nerd, which might help her solve the clues as our newest celebrity detective. We are delighted to welcome her to the Masked Singer family."
A myriad of celebrities have taken part in the show since it launched several years ago, including Charlotte Church, Ne-Yo and Jason Manford.
The winner of the 2024 series was McFly singer Danny Jones, who was the famous figure behind the Piranha costume.
It's been quite the year for the 38-year-old who was recently crowned the King of the Jungle after winning this year's series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!
After winning the series following a public vote, Danny gushed: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I gave my all in there, gave myself, and it’s a lovely feeling to be liked.”
The new series of The Masked Singer starts on January 4 at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
