The Masked Dancer will not return to ITV after the broadcaster decided to “rest” the programme last year, according to reports. The reality dancing competition ran for two seasons and was helmed by I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’s Joel Dommett.
Following two successful seasons of The Masked Singer and the postponement of Britain’s Got Talent, ITV announced The Masked Dancer would make its British TV debut. The first series of the show premiered on May 29, 2021, and ran until June 5.
However, bosses decided to shift the show to a weekly format for its second season which clashed with season 20 of Strictly Come Dancing. Following its “rest” last year, it’s been reported by The Sun that The Masked Dancer is no more.
An insider told the publication: “ITV thought it was worth taking a punt on a concept which had clearly struck a chord with the public as The Masked Singer. But they made the mistake of shifting it from a show that ran every night over a week, to a weekly show that aired on a Saturday night.
“That saw it go out on the same evening as Strictly Come Dancing, which is a very challenging rival.” The likes of Zoe Ball, Dancing on Ice’s Christopher Dean and Diversity’s Jordan Banjo all competed on the programme – with Olympic gymnast Louis Smith placing first.
The first season’s panel consisted of The Masked Singer judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan as well as Strictly’s Oti Mabuse.
Despite its success, the future of The Masked Dancer was uncertain following the conclusion of the first season.
Katie Radcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said at the time that the show “may not return for a second season”.
However, in December 2021, it was announced that the contest would return with Peter Crouch replacing Mo.
Stacey Dooley, Steph McGovern and Bruno Tonioli all appeared as contestants on the second season of The Masked Dancer – with Glee actress Heather Morris being crowned champion.
The show didn’t return for a third outing in 2023 with an insider claiming ITV was focusing on coverage for the Rugby World Cup.
Moreover, it was claimed that the series hadn’t been axed and that the broadcaster had plans to air “other specials” such as The Masked Singer I’m A Celeb show.
Express.co.uk has reached out to representatives of ITV for further comment.