Charlie Simpson ‘set to return to The Masked Singer as a judge’ after winning the 2023 series as Rhino
Charlie Simpson is set to return to The Masked Singer in December, but this time as a judge, after winning the 2023 series as Rhino in February.
The Busted frontman, 38, will be covering regular panelist Rita Ora for one night only because she will miss three shows due to other work commitments.
Olly Murs and Jennifer Saunders will replace the judge in the other two episodes after she was announced as Nicole Scherzinger’s replacement earlier this year.
“Missing three episodes out of eight seems like a pretty big chunk, so viewers will definitely miss Rita, she’s such a fan favorite,” the source said. Sun.
“But shaking up the commission is another interesting way to keep the program relevant.
Charlie Simpson (pictured on Saturday) is set to return to The Masked Singer in December, but this time as a judge, after winning the 2023 series as Rhino in February.
The Busted frontman, 38 (pictured in February), will be covering regular panellist Rita Ora for one night only because she will miss three shows due to other work commitments.
Olly Murs and Jennifer Saunders will replace Rita Ora (pictured) in the other two episodes after she was announced as Nicole Scherzinger’s replacement.
“Jennifer brings a whole new energy and Ollie is of course very safe hands when it comes to talent shows. It will be interesting to see what Charlie brings with him.”
Rita admitted she was “upset” about missing out on some episodes but believes show bosses have found a great replacement.
She said: “I’m upset that I’m missing out on some episodes. But keeping my seat warm are some great guest panelists who I’m told are also very competitive and will keep everyone else on their toes.”
MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for comment.
The show returns to ITV on December 30 and Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan will be on hand to make their guesses from the new line-up.
Host Joel Dommett will feature costumed celebrities for another year, with viewers able to see the fryer, the Eiffel Tower, Dippy’s egg, Bigfoot, the weather, an owl, a rat, a chicken Caesar, a piranha, bubble tea, a cricket and a maypole.
Panelist Jonathan already has an idea who he is behind the mask.
He said: “My best guess this year is Ryan Reynolds. He now spends most of his time in Wrexham. Bubble Tea and Air Fryer make the show very modern.
“These names weren’t on the table two or three years ago, now they’re dancing on ITV1 prime time.”
Judges Rita Ora and Davina McCall were convinced Rhino was the pop singer back in February and it seemed their guesses were correct as he took off the suit.
He revealed his identity after defeating Fawn and Phoenix, who were unmasked as All Saints star Natalie Appleton and Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson.
Charlie was named the winner of the show after being introduced as Rhino earlier this year.
He revealed his identity after defeating Fawn and Phoenix, who were unmasked as All Saints star Natalie Appleton and Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson.
Judges Rita Ora and Davina McCall were convinced Rhino was a pop singer and their guesses were proven correct when he took off his suit.
Charlie wowed the judges and audience with his incredible voice and ended up in the final with the most votes.
“I was terrified the whole time. My biggest fear was remembering the lyrics. I often forget the lyrics to my songs on stage!” he exclaimed.
Asked by host Joel Dommett if he thought he would win, Charlie replied: “No, I just said, ‘Memorize the lines and have fun.’
For weeks, clues have pointed to Charlie being the Rhino, so this comes as no surprise to many fans.
Rhino took to the stage to perform his version of Lewis Capaldi’s “Before You Go”, followed by a reprise of Pink’s hit “Try”.
For his duet, he was joined by 2021 contestant Harlequin, aka Gabrielle, to sing Labrinth and Emeli Sande’s Beneath Your Beautiful.
Panelist Lee Mack was blown away: “It was absolutely wonderful,” he said.
Charlie later said: “My bandmates from Busted and Fightstar knew it was me within two seconds of hearing Rhino sing.
“When you spend so much time on stage with people and spend so much time in the studio, it’s going to be very difficult for them not to get it almost instantly.”
Adding to his involvement in the show, he said: “I was very happy when Joel said my name. I had never entered a singing competition before, so it all felt completely surreal.”
“I think Use Somebody by Kings Of Leon was my favorite song. It’s a song that I feel very comfortable performing and know very well.
“I also knew the words better than most of the other songs, so I felt like I could just enjoy singing them,” Charlie added.