The BAFTA-winning comedian steps in to replace Ken Jeong on the panel and joins Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross when the hit ITV show returns in 2021.
When The Masked Singer UK launched on ITV earlier this year, the show which asks "Who's that behind the mask?" became an instant hit with viewers and with filming beginning this autumn, current travel restrictions mean Ken Jeong will not be able to return as a regular panellist for series.
However, ITV have insisted that "he remains a huge part of The Masked Singer UK family and will shortly complete filming on season 4 in the US" and hope that Ken will be able to make an appearance or two during the series.
Speaking about the upcoming series, Ken Jeong 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.”
So who better to step in than one of the UK's finest comedians, Mo Gilligan? He'll be taking up a chair alongside returning panellists Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross.
Once again Joel Dommett will be presiding over the unique guessing game and talking about Mo joining the show, the host said “I’m super excited to have Mo on The Masked Singer panel. He is one of the best comedians around right now and I’m proud to have him on the team! He will provide the good guesses and good looks that Jonathan and I struggle with.”
Series two will see a fresh cast of twelve celebrities compete over eight shows with new and ever flamboyantly elaborate character costumes. They'll each be singing and concealing their identities as they attempt to stump viewers and the panel alike on who they could possibly be.
The new line-up will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the first series winner, Nicola Roberts, who performed as Queen Bee and triumphed over an eclectic and unexpected range of singers that numbered politician Alan Johnson, singers Kelis, Justin Hawkins, Skin, Jake Shears and Katherine Jenkins, footballer Teddy Sheringham, comedian Jason Manford and TV personality Denise Van Outen.
Speaking about joining The Masked Singer UK, Mo Gilligan said "It’s a real privilege to be joining The Masked Singer team. 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."
Talking about her return to the show, Davina McCall said "Absolutely loved playing Detective Davina last year, I’ve really missed it... can't wait to play all over again. Ken can’t sit next to me at the start of the new series but maybe I’ll be less distracted and more on it with my guesses (think we all know that’s not going to happen :-) shhhhh)! Really, really hope to see him back if he can make it over but until then I’m literally beside myself about sitting next to Mo... Can't wait to get guessing along with you, Rita and Jonathan."
Rita Ora said "I had so much fun last season, I can't wait to be back on the panel again this year. It's incredible to be part of such a unique and loved show. It's got everything that you could ever want for Saturday night entertainment - it's fun, witty, full of surprises, not to mention the amazing costumes, and this year we're welcoming the hilarious Mo Gilligan to the show - he's going to be a great addition to the panel."
And finally, Jonathan Ross added "I had a ball on The Masked Singer and am thrilled that we get to do the whole thing again and so excited that the brilliant Mo Gilligan is joining us this year. It's great to have him on the panel and hopefully we'll also get to see Ken back during the run. But most of all I’m excited to see who will be under the masks!"
The Masked Singer UK returns in 2021 on ITV