The Masked Dancer axed by ITV for 2023 in schedule shake up
Posted February 15, 2023 by: Admin
The Masked Dancer, a popular show on ITV, has reportedly been canceled for 2023 after only two series, with the broadcaster choosing to air the Rugby World Cup instead.
Hosted by Joel Dommett, the show features celebrities performing dance routines while hiding their identities, with judges and viewers having to guess who’s behind the mask. The Masked Dancer is a spin-off of The Masked Singer, which is currently airing its fourth season and features judges Davina McCall, Oti Mabuse, Jonathan Ross, and Peter Crouch.
According to The Sun, a source said fans would be “gutted” by the news. The insider explained, “The Masked Dancer is being rested for 2023. Instead, ITV is showing the Rugby World Cup over the autumn.” However, the source added that the show could return in 2024, as ITV has plans for other specials like The Masked Singer and an I’m A Celeb show.
The 2022 series of The Masked Dancer featured stars such as Kimberley Walsh, Steph McGovern, and Jesse Metcalfe, with Glee star Heather Morris, who performed under the character Scissors, ultimately winning the competition. Australian actor Adam Garcia, who performed as Onomatopoeia, was the runner-up, while former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli, who performed as Pearly King, took third place.
After winning the show, Morris expressed how much the experience meant to her, stating that it made her feel like a little kid again. She revealed that her children inspired her to participate in the show, as they are all “huge fans” of the ITV franchise. Morris, who is best known for her role as Brittany S. Pierce in the US show Glee, has been married to Taylor Hubbell since 2015 and has two children with him.
While fans of The Masked Dancer may be disappointed by the news, ITV’s decision to air the Rugby World Cup is likely due to the tournament’s popularity and the network’s desire to attract a wider audience. With plans for other specials in the works, fans of The Masked franchise may still have something to look forward to in the coming years.
