Olly Murs has landed a new TV gig weeks after he was dropped from The Voice UK.
The Essex-born singer, 39, was said to be “shocked” when he found out his contract was not being renewed having served as a mentor for five years.
Now, he’s set to join Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and comedian Mo Gilligan on the next series of The Masked Singer, where panelists are tasked with revealing the true identity of artists who are dressed in costume.
Murs will be sitting in for show regular Rita Ora as she is not able to fulfill filming committments due to diary clashes.
One of those clashes includes the US version of the show, where she has been drafted in to replace Nicole Scherzinger, who is currently starring in a limited revival of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s west end production of Sunset Boulevard.
“I’m gutted to be missing some episodes on the new season but keeping my seat warm are some great guest panellists who I’m told are also super competitive and will keep the others on their toes, especially Jonathan! Bring it on,” Ora said in a statement.
A source told The Sun US: “The booking will be heartening to Olly. His exit from The Voice came as a shock, so knowing ITV still rate him and want him on the channel will be such a boost. It’s a sign they see him as part of the family and will be considered for future projects.
“Of course, Olly’s a pro when it comes to music, as well as having tons of experience as a TV judge. Plus, he is loved by audiences already. It all makes perfect sense.”
