It's been confirmed that hit ITV show The Masked Dancer UK will return to our screens for a second series next month and already promises to bring some bizarrely fantastic entertainment.
The Masked Dancer is a dance competition and sister series to the hit Korean singing competition The Masked Singer. Instead of singing, the Masked Dancer will see a host of celebrities take to the stage in outrageous disguises as they look to impress the judges with their dance moves.
Bandicoot managing director Derek McLean and creative director Daniel Nettleton said: “The Masked Dancer wowed audiences last year and we’re thrilled to bring back the show for another series of crazy costumes, mind-blowing moves and maddeningly compelling clues.
“With the mayhem we’re lining up for 2022, we are already planning for the most bonkers series yet.”
Last year, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith was crowned winner of the show after being unmasked as the outlandish character Carwash.
As the second series approaches, here's everything you need to know about The Masked Dancer 2022. A panel of celebrity judges must then guess the identity of the masked dancers and decide who the best and worst performers are.
The famous faces underneath the flamboyant costumes will only be revealed once they're eliminated from the competition.
The first series of The Masked Dancer aired much earlier than this year's in May 2021, however ITV didn't commission a second series until December 2021. The second season will consist of eight episodes.
Last year's judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Oti Mabuse will all be returning as judges for 2022's series. However, comedian Mo Gilligan won't be making a return this series as he's unavailable due to touring commitments.
Speaking of his disappointment, he said: "I love being a part of the Masked Team so I’m gutted to be missing most of the series this year as I’ll be working in the US."
Instead, a brand new judge will be joining the show for 2022 - Peter Crouch.
The footballing legend has a host of famous friends, which could help him out when it comes to guessing the celebs behind the costumes. The former England striker will be watching the performances closely alongside the other judges.
He said: "The show is a firm favourite in our household and when asked I jumped at the chance to take part.
"I am competitive and I’m currently scrolling through friends’ socials looking for those tell-tale dance moves. Another plus is by being on the panel my social media, family and friends won’t be constantly speculating that I’m hiding behind one of the masks."
Mo thinks Crouch is the perfect replacement too, he said: "I’ve got the perfect sub to take my place. A legend on and off the pitch and one of the nicest guys in the industry, Crouchy knows a thing or two about fancy footwork, we’ve got this!”
Mo will make a brief surprise return to the judging panel at some point throughout series two and the panel is also set to be joined by some other special surprise guests.
The Masked Dancer UK is hosted by comedian Joel Dommett and he'll be resuming his hosting duties for this year's series.
Joel presented last year's Masked Dancer series and recently hosted series three of the sister show The Masked Singer.
Another 12 new celebrities will be taking part in this year's Masked Dancer series and are preparing to showcase their best dance moves.
For the first time ever, a celebrity duo will also be competing.
ITV has confirmed The Masked Dancer 2022 will kick off on Saturday 3 September at 6.30pm.
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