The Masked Dancer ‘set to replace Britain’s Got Talent as ITV secures the rights after 2021 series was cancelled due to Covid pandemic’
The Masked Dancer is reportedly set to replace Britain’s Got Talent on ITV this summer, after the 2021 series was axed due to the Covid pandemic.
ITV have reportedly secured the UK rights to the international hit, following the huge success of sister series The Masked Singer.
The series a slew of unnamed celebrities take to the floor to showcase their impressive dance moves, leaving a panel of judges to guess their identity.
Coming soon: The Masked Dancer is reportedly set to replace Britain’s Got Talent on ITV this spring, after the 2021 series was axed due to the Covid pandemic
A source told the Sun: ‘Everyone’s really excited about The Masked Dancer. It’s a huge success in the USA so producers can’t wait to bring it to the UK.
‘Like The Masked Singer it is brilliant fun with high production values and everyone is convinced it will be a hit on this side of the pond.
‘ITV struck the deal over the rights to the format at the start of this week and now the producers are compiling a team to start work on it.’
A representative for ITV declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
Go big: The US version of the dancing competition was a smashing success, and an insider said ITV bosses are confident it will be the same across the pond
Reprise: It’s thought bosses are also hoping that judges for UK’s The Masked Singer (pictured) will reprise their roles in the dance-themed spin-off
Extravagant: Fans can expect the same huge production values and extravagance on the dancing series as they have seen on the singing show
Ruffled: Rumours are flying about who might be behind Robin on The Masked Singer, and many suspect the semi-finalist to be Queen star Adam Lambert
The source said it was still ‘early days’ but claimed the network hoped to begin filming this summer, and bosses hope the entire judging panel from The Masked Singer will reprise their roles.
Audiences have absolutely loved the quirky singing competition, set to boot two more contestants during tonight’s semi-final.
It comes after ITV confirmed last month that this year’s Britain’s Got Talent had been cancelled due to the Covid crisis.
Bosses of the show said that despite the efforts of the teams at ITV, Thames and head judge Simon Cowell’s Syco, they were forced to call plans off.
They said: ‘With our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent to 2022.
‘BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.
‘Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can’t currently go ahead as planned.’
Cuddly competition: R&B singer Ne-Yo is among the top suspicions for Badger, one of the final celebs remaining in ITV’s juggernaut singing competition
Last week’s Masked Singer saw the Blob revealed to be Sir Lenny Henry and A-ha singer Morten Harket as the voice behind the Viking.
Only Harlequin, Dragon, Robin, Badger and Sausage remain, and fans are desperate to discover if their guesses for the semi-finalists are correct.
R&B star Ne-Yo is among the favourite guesses for Badger, while Queen frontman Adam Lambert is one of the top suspects for the celeb sporting Robin’s gold talons.