ITV has decided to ‘axe’ The Masked Dancer after the show struggled to compete with
Strictly Come Dancing . The Masked
Singer spin-off series premiered in 2021 and was also hosted by Joel Dommett, whilst Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan were panellists alongside former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse. The first season was won by Olympic gymnast Louis Smith as Carwash, while other contestants included Kelly Brook, Craig Revel Horwood, Zoe Ball and Eddie the Eagle. It returned for a second season in 2022, however last year the broadcaster revealed it was being ‘rested’ due to coverage of the 2023 Rugby
World Cup. However now, two years after it last aired, ITV is reported to have scrapped the show. A TV insider has said the series was ‘always something of a tricky sell’. ‘But ITV thought it was worth taking a punt on a concept which had clearly struck a chord with the public as The Masked Singer,’ they told The Sun . ‘But they made the mistake of shifting it from a show that ran every night over a week, to a weekly show that aired on a Saturday night.’ They added: ‘That saw it go out on the same evening as Strictly Come Dancing, which is a very challenging rival.’ Emmerdale confirms surprise passion sealed with a kiss as dark abuse scenes are lined up in 24 new pictures Coronation Street fans beg
Actor not to leave after shock and unexpected exit Celebrity Big Brother star attended by medics over terrifying health scares The Celebrity Big Brother relaunch has fallen flat - and ITV is to blame Like The Masked Singer, this show also saw celebrities disguised in hysterically over the top costumes with viewers trying to work out who is behind the mask only instead of singing they’re dancing. Glee star Heather Morris won the second season as Scissors, beating Coyote Ugly heartthrob Adam Garcia as Onomatopoeia in the grand finale. After winning the show, Heather – who has been married to Taylor Hubbell since 2015 and has two sons with him – explained her children inspired her to sign up as they were ‘huge fans’ of the franchise. Following her win, she shared: ‘have had the best time. This has made my heart so full. I feel like a little kid again dancing on stage.’ Although this series looks unlikely to return, The Masked Singer is set to come back for a sixth season. Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment. The Masked Dancer is streaming on ITVX. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. MORE : Kevin Hart shocks with ‘worst performance in history’ on The Masked Singer MORE : Alex Brooker claims Masked Singer bosses were worried about his ‘offensive’ costume