Former professional footballer Peter Crouch is set to join the judging panel for series two of The Masked Dancer.
Crouch will sit alongside fellow judges Oti Mabuse, Jonathan Ross, and presenter Davina McCall with former panelist Mo Gilligan stepping down.
ITV have announced that comedian Mo will be unable to rejoin the show - when it returns later this year - due to touring commitments.
Crouch said of his appointment: “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.”
Gilligan said that he was "gutted" to be missing the show due to performing in the US, saying that he loved working on the show.
The comedian added: “But 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.”
However, fans of Gilligan will still not be disappointed as he will be making a surprise appearance during the series.
The new series is promised to be the "most bonkers yet", and will see twelve mystery contestants strut their stuff for as the panel and viewers try to suss out who they are
Comedian and presenter Joel Dommett will once again host the show.
He said: “It’s so great to be back for some dancing and guessing. I’m super excited to find out who is dancing behind the masks.
“We’re losing Mo for some episodes – but we have Peter ‘the Robot’ Crouch to fill his much smaller shoes. I’m very excited as I’ve always looked up to him in his career and because he is massive.”
The first series saw Team GB gymnast Louis Smith emerge as the victor after being revealed as the character Carwash, seeing off competition from actresses Tamzin Outhwaite and Bonnie Langford, and Take That star Howard Donald in the final.
Professional dancer and former Strictly star Ote Mabuse has said that she loved being a part of the show, and is "so excited" to see this year's characters.
Fellow judge McCall said that she is looking forward to the show's return, describing it as “bonkers but utterly brilliant”.
Presenter Ross added: “As the current reigning champion amongst the panel I will be using my expert knowledge in all things dance to take the title again.
“Who knows, this year my dream might come true and Mary Berry might just be behind one of the masks.”
The Masked Dancer is a spin-off of popular series The Masked Singer which came back for a third series on New Year's Day.
Singer Natalie Imbruglia took the victory after her disguised performance as Panda through the series.
The forthcoming series will be produced by Bandicoot Scotland, part of Argonon, and executive produced by Derek McLean, Daniel Nettleton and Claire Horton, and will air later this year.
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