Mo Gilligan set to replace Ken Jeong on The Masked Singer judging panel

Jeong hopes to be able to make some guest appearances in series two
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Comedian Mo Gilligan will replace Ken Jeong on the judging panel of The Masked Singer for the show’s second series.

As a result of current restrictions on international travel, the US-based Jeong, 51, is not able to be a regular panellist on the ITV singing contest, but hopes to make a guest appearance during the series.

Gilligan, 32, said it was a “real privilege to join” the programme in season two, which will be filmed in the autumn.

“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,” he said.

Jeong added: “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!

ITV

Jeong previously appeared on the panel with Rita Ora, Davina McCall and Jonathan Ross (ITV)

“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.”

Gilligan, who recently received a Bafta TV Award for The Lateish Show, will join Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora and Davina McCall on the panel.

Joel Dommett is set to return as presenter for the contest, which sees 12 celebrities go incognito in larger-than-life disguises to show off their vocal talents.

The Masked Singer

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The judges - and viewers at home - attempt to work out the contestants’ true identities based on a series of clues.

Airing in January this year, the first UK edition proved a huge hit, with 6.6 million viewers tuning in for the launch episode.

The competition was eventually won by former Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, with comedian Jason Manford and opera singer Katherine Jenkins coming in second and third place respectively.

Denise Van Outen, footballer Teddy Sheringham, singers Kelis, CeeLo Green and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters also took part, along with former Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

Based on the South Korean show King of Mask Singer, the US edition has run for three series on Fox, with a fourth currently in the works.

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