Maya Jama ‘excited’ as she replaces Rita Ora on ITV’s The Masked Singer panel
Love Island host Maya Jama is set to replace singer Rita Ora on ITV’s The Masked Singer next year.
The presenter, 30, will be joining the panel with returning judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan as they get their detective hats on to predict which celebrities are singing with a disguise.
ITV announced the change to the panel on Wednesday, which will start when the show returns for its sixth series in 2025.
Comedian Joel Dommett will host as usual, with previous judges making a comeback except Ora, who reportedly quit the show. The 33-year-old had been a judge on ITV’s The Masked Singer since its debut in 2020.
Commenting on her new gig, Jama stated: “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.
“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.”
Jama began her television career fronting music and sports, covering the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for Copa90 football YouTube channel.
She shot further into fame when she took over Love Island’s hosting gig from Laura Whitmore, fronting the popular reality series.
Head of entertainment and daytime commissioning at ITV, Katie Rawcliffe, stated: “The Masked Singer is back and promises to kick off 2025 with a bang.
“TV’s favourite guessing game welcomes the sensational Maya Jama who will be joining our expert detectives, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan all alongside Joel Dommett. We can’t wait.”
Producers Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean of Bandicoot TV added: “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.”
The latest series saw McFly star Danny Jones winning after making it to the end of the series without being unmasked.
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Jama herself addressed her upcoming role on social media on Wednesday, sharing a clip on her Instagram Story of Ross on the show and writing: “So exciteddd to be joining this LEGENDARY line up.” (sic)
She also shared a post to her main feed from ITV sharing the announcement. In a nod to Love Island, the clip saw Ross, 63, receiving a text and reading: “New Masked Singer panelist!”
Gilligan, 36, added: “I’ve got a text – oh, new Masked Singer detective.”
Mccall, 56, gasped as she commented: “new panelist!” before Jama appeared and smiled: “Hello, hello, hello!”
