Mo Gilligan has been announced as a new judge for the next series of The Masked Singer after Ken Jeong was ruled out by coronavirus travel restrictions.
The second series of the show is being filmed at breakneck pace next month, with Joel Dommett returning as host alongside judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Rita Ora.
In a statement, ITV confirmed that comedian Gilligan has been drafted in to fill in for Jeong, who still "hopes to make an appearance or two during the series".
"It's a real privilege to be joining The Masked Singer team," said Gilligan. "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."
Jeong, who is currently working on season four of the show in the US, 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 normalise 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."
There had been speculation that the new series, which will feature 12 celebrities and eight episodes, could air this Autumn but ITV has confirmed that it will be broadcast "in 2021".
Neil Wilkes
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