ITV are set to stage a Coronation Street special of The Masked Singer after The Masked Dancer was axed for 2023.
Following the success of The Masked Singer: I’m a Celebrity special last year, bosses are reportedly planning more themed episodes of the Saturday night show.
Sources have told Deadline that executives are planning on redirecting the budget of The Masked Dancer as it will not air this year.
It’s been reported that several “mashups” of The Masked Singer with other popular ITV shows will be airing across the year on the network.
According to reports, favourite “tentpole brands” could get the masked treatment with stars of the long-running soap Coronation Street, lining up to compete.
HOAR previously revealed The Masked Dancer will not be making a return, in favour of the Rugby World Cup.
Launching in 2021 after the success of The Masked Singer, the series sees 12 mystery celebrities battle it out in a similar manner.
The masked stars, hidden by their elaborate costumes, give away clues to their identities in between performing dances.
Judged by Oti Mabuse, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan, a dancer was unmasked in each 90-minute episode.
However, despite its huge popularity, sources have confirmed it won’t be making a comeback for a third series.
The move was decided in order to make room for the Rugby World Cup 2023, which will air on ITV from September.
A show insider told HOAR: “Fans will be gutted, but The Masked Dancer is being rested for 2023.”
“Instead, ITV are showing the Rugby World Cup over the autumn,” they added.
“This doesn’t mean it can’t come back in 2024, and ITV have plans for other specials like The Masked Singer I’m A Celeb show.”
The Masked Dancer 2022 champion was Glee actress Heather Morris, who was delighted at the news.
