Maya Jama has been revealed as the new addition to the judging panel of the upcoming series of The Masked Singer, as announced by ITV. The 30-year-old Love Island host will be stepping in to replace singer Rita Ora on the popular reality singing competition. Alongside Jama, familiar faces Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan will all be returning to their roles as judges. The show will once again be hosted by comedian Joel Dommett when it returns for its sixth series next year.
Expressing her excitement about joining the show, Jama said, “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.” She added, “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.” Having watched the show for a long time, Jama is ready to bring her best to the judging panel.
Jama’s career began with presenting music and sports shows, including covering the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for the Copa90 football YouTube channel with her travelogue “Maya’s Fifa World Cup Cities.” She gained national recognition when she took over hosting duties on the hit dating show Love Island. Additionally, Jama has presented BBC radio shows, the Brit Awards, and hosted her own podcast named When Life Gives You Melons.
Rita Ora had been a judge on The Masked Singer since its inception in 2020. The original panel included Ora, McCall, Ross, and comedian Ken Jeong, who was later replaced by Gilligan. Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment and daytime commissioning at ITV, expressed the anticipation for the upcoming series, stating, “The Masked Singer is back and promises to kick off 2025 with a bang.” She highlighted that Maya Jama will be joining the expert detectives, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan, alongside Joel Dommett.
The Masked Singer has become a fan-favorite with its entertaining format where celebrities perform anonymously while dressed in elaborate costumes. The most recent series was won by McFly star Danny Jones. Past masked celebrities have included Dionne Warwick, Michael Owen, Daisy May Cooper, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and more. The show has captivated audiences with its guessing game and elaborate performances.
The announcement of Maya Jama joining the judging panel has garnered excitement among fans, with producers Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean from Bandicoot TV expressing their delight in welcoming her to The Masked Singer family. With the addition of Jama alongside the returning judges and host, the upcoming series is set to provide more memorable moments and surprises for viewers.