DANCE STANCE:

Ex-stoke City star Peter Crouch is to join the judging panel of this year’s The Masked Dancer. He is stepping in for Mo Gilligan as the comedian is unavailable due to touring commitments, ITV said. The 41-year-old will be alongside last year’s celebrity detectives, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, Jonathan Ross and TV presenter Davina Mccall, as the series returns this year, reports The Mirror.

The ex-footballer is known for his celebratory robot dance, right, when he scored a goal. He says the show is a ‘firm favourite’ in his household and he jumped at the chance to get involved.

Crouch said: “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 he was ‘gutted’ to miss the show due to performing in the US, saying he loved working on it.

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.” Comedian and presenter Joel Dommett will again host the show, a spin-off of The Masked Singer.