Maya Jama has replaced Rita Ora as a judge on The Masked Singer UK. The announcement was made with a Love Island-themed twist, as Maya, known for her hosting role on Love Island, was introduced in a playful video that referenced her connection to the popular dating show. This move has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see her bring her unique style and charisma to the judging panel.
Rita Ora, 34, stepped down from the judging panel of The Masked Singer UK after being part of the show since its debut in 2020. She was replaced by Maya Jama, 30, in a fiery announcement teaser that generated excitement. Rita had appeared alongside Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and Mo Gilligan throughout her time on the panel.
In a dramatic new teaser video for The Masked Singer, Maya Jama appeared in a silver jumpsuit with a hood and silver mask, brandishing a flamethrower to set a large heart-shaped ring alight, drawing inspiration from her Love Island hosting role. She then revealed her face by removing her hood and striking a pose for the camera. Just as the announcement reached its peak, presenter Joel Dommett, dressed in a glittery red jacket, entered with a fire extinguisher and put out the flaming heart, leaving both of them coughing in the smoke.
The announcement adds to the excitement surrounding the show, where celebrities conceal their identities in extravagant costumes while performing pop classics. The judges, including Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and Mo Gilligan, must guess the contestant’s identity, with the winner emerging if the judges fail to guess correctly. Earlier this year, McFly’s Danny Jones won, shortly before his victory on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Maya expressed her excitement about joining the panel, saying, “I’m such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo—and of course working with Joel—is going to be so much fun!”
Maya Jama expressed her excitement about joining The Masked Singer panel, saying, “I can’t wait to figure out who’s underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings.”
Maya, who has hosted Love Island since 2023, is familiar to fans for her role on the dating show, which aired its third series this summer. Meanwhile, Joel Dommett will return as the host of The Masked Singer, which has captivated audiences since its debut in 2020. The show, where celebrities sing in disguise and the judges guess their identities, has attracted an impressive 37 million viewers who tune in to uncover the mystery behind the masks.
