Rita snub for Singer spin-off
RITA Ora has been snubbed for ITV’s new series The Masked Dancer with bosses targeting Strictly favourite Oti Mabuse.
The Masked Singer spin-off will replace Britain’s Got Talent and have all the other regulars, including Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan plus presenter Joel Dommett.
Rita had to apologise after her lavish lockdown-busting 30thbirthday bash in November. One insider said: “Such a lot of effort goes into keeping the talent and crew safe while making it, many people felt let down by the way Rita behaved. She has not done herself any favours.”
It is hoped Oti, 30, the only pro to have won Strictly for two years running, will bring much needed dance expertise. “With her dance experience and popularity with audiences, she’d be perfect,” the source said. “Everyone’s very hopeful she’ll sign.”
The Masked Dancer has already proved to be a hit in the US.
Davina, Jonathan and Mo are thought to have agreed to take part in the UK version, which ITV bosses plan to show in May when the BGT live finals normally air.
The talent show was scrapped for 2021 due to Covid safety fears.
The Masked Singer, which ends on Saturday, was filmed over eight days in September. It features a socially distanced audience while performers are naturally protected from the virus by their costumes.
Rita last month lost an EE ad deal and is currently in Australia as a coach on The Voice for the first time.
A source close to Rita said: “It’s common knowledge that she’s in Australia and will be filming The Voice for the next few months.”