Rita Ora hints at real reason she quit the Masked Singer after being replaced by Maya Jama
RITA Ora has seemingly revealed why she needed to quit The Masked Singer this year after five series.
The pop star, 34, has been replaced by Love Island host Maya Jama, who lines up alongside Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross and Davina McCall.
READ MORE ON RITA ORA
According to IMDB, Rita's stacked 2025 filmography includes roles in Tin Soldier, Descendants 5, He Bled Neon and Voltron.
This year she played the Queen of Hearts in Disney's Descendants 4.
Rita's followers sent her well-wishes and inundated her with love heart and fire emojis.
While Maya is a seasoned pro and one of the most in-demand names on television, some Masked Singer fans feel Rita's replacement should have been another singer.
Taking to Reddit, one person wrote: "I still don't think this was the right choice, but what you gonna do.
"Should have been a singer or someone with musical experience."
Over on Instagram, another fumed: "Well this is a shambles, they should have at least one singer on here."
As a third chimed in: "So on a singing show, there isn't a single judge that's a singer?"
However, a fellow fan argued having a singing background isn't necessary as a judge, penning: "Everyone stressing... this isn't a singing competition!!!!
"It's about guessing who the person singing is - RELAX.."
Maya is certainly relishing the chance to be part of such a fun primetime show.
Addressing her new gig, she 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!
"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.
"I've watched the show for a long time, so I'm definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!"
Earlier this year, Rita joined the hit show's US counterpart, replacing Nicole Scherzinger.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The next series of The Masked Singer UK is set to land on ITV1 early next year.
The Masked Singer Judges and Host
The Masked Singer has been a smash-hit for ITV since launching in 2020. Here's a look at the show's familiar on air team.
Judges
Current:
- Jonathan Ross: Presenter and film critic Jonathan has been part of The Masked Singer since its first series.
- Davina McCall: Long Lost Family co-host Davina is also one of the show's original panellists.
- Mo Gilligan: Comedian and presenter Mo joined in series two, replacing US star Ken Jeong.
- Maya Jama: Love Island presenter Maya is set to join in series six, replacing Rita Ora.
Former:
- Rita Ora: Singer and actress Rita appeared as a judge for the first five series. Her departure from the show was confirmed in September 2024.
Host
Joel Dommett: Joel has presented every series of The Masked Singer so far.