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Joel Dommett revealed that Maya Jama was a great replacement for Rita Ora (Image: Getty)
Joel Dommett opened up about bidding farewell to Rita Ora on the upcoming series of The Masked Singer.
Rita, 33, has been a judge on the ITV programme since it first kicked off in 2020, however, announced she had decided to step down from the role in September after five series.
Love Island presenter Maya Jama, 30, will join Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan on the judging panel when series six airs in the new year.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday (October 21), Joel said that Maya was the perfect replacement for the singer.
"Rita was incredible," the 39-year-old said. "Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to her but Maya was a wonderful replacement."
Rita stepped down from her role as a judge after five series (Image: ITV)
Joel added: "It's incredible. She was brilliant and fit in wonderfully."
Of her new role on the show’s judging panel, Maya 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!"
The presenter continued: "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!"
However, the decision to replace Rita with Maya sparked outrage from fans, who claimed it should have been someone with musical experience.
Joel teased what fans can expect from the upcoming series of The Masked Singer (Image: Getty)
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One fan wrote on Reddit: "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."
Another agreed, saying: "So on a singing show, there isn't a single judge that's a singer?"
Others disagreed as one defensive fan hit back: "Everyone stressing... this isn't a singing competition!!!! It's about guessing who the person singing is - RELAX."
Filming for series six concluded last week, with Joel teasing what fans can expect from the latest batch of celebrities.
"This year is absolutely fantastic," he revealed. "The names are incredible and there's lots of fun little twists and turns to come as well."
English (US) ·