THE Masked Dancer fans were quick to react as footie ace Peter Crouch joined the judging panel.
The former England striker, 41, replaced comedian Mo Gilligan as show judge for the second season of the ITV series – yet some fans were left stunned.
Many loved Peter‘s debut on The Masked Dancer yet thought his appointment “random” with one commenting: “Watching #themaskeddancer. Peter Crouch is a judge? Random! (I’ll say, he does seem a nice man).”
Another posted on Twitter: “Peter Crouch is so random for this. #themaskeddancer,” while a third commented: “Peter Crouch is the most random person to judge a dancing show in the history of dancing shows. #TheMaskedDancer.”
One then mused: “Is Peter Crouch on this just coz he was famous for doing a s**t robot dance #MaskedDancer.”
Another added: “I’m sorry did I read that correctly Peter crouch? Do they give anyone a judging job these days 
.”
Yet many backed the former Stoke City star in his new role, with one posting: “Loving this and @petercrouchn is brill 
.”
Another confessed: “maskeddancer should be s**t. But IT IS NOT. I’m well behind so staying off but got to say Peter Crouch is absolutely hilarious – as expected.”
One then gushed: “@petercrouch is very quick-witted and funny. He’s a great addition!”
The Masked Dancer is a British version of the American show of the same name, which is itself a spin-off of The Masked Singer.
The series is a competition show in which celebrities are disguised while judges attempt to guess who they are.
Peter’s role came about after Mo pulled out due to other commitments.
Speaking of his disappointment about missing the new series, Mo said: “I love being a part of the Masked Team so I’m gutted to be missing most of the series this year as I’ll be working in the US.”
Speaking about joining The Masked Dancer as a judge, Peter said: “The show is a firm favourite in our household and when asked I jumped at the chance to take part.
“I am competitive and I’m currently scrolling through friends’ socials looking for those tell-tale dance moves.”
He continued: “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!”
He joins the panel with Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse and Davina McCall, with Joel Dommett returning as host.
The Masked Dancer kicked off on ITV on Saturday, September 3 at 6.30 pm.
The next lot of celebrities will make their dancing debut at the same time on Saturday, September 10.
