Olly Murs is to serve as a judge on 'The Masked Singer'.

Olly Murs will serve as a judge on certain episodes of The Masked Singer

Olly Murs will serve as a judge on certain episodes of The Masked Singer

The 39-year-old pop star was axed from his long-running role on 'The Voice' earlier this year but will now reportedly join regular panellists Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan on the next series of the ITV1 singing competition - which sees celebrities don extravagant masks in an attempt to conceal their identity whilst performing classic tracks - as cover for Rita Ora.

A source told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "The booking will be heartening to Olly. His exit from 'The Voice' came as a shock, so knowing ITV still rate him and want him on the channel will be such a boost. It’s a sign they see him as part of the family and will be considered for future projects. Of course, Olly’s a pro when it comes to music, as well as having tons of experience as a TV judge. Plus, he is loved by audiences already. It all makes perfect sense."

In September, the 'Troublemaker' singer explained he was "gutted" and "shocked" to have been axed from 'The Voice', after spending five years as a judge on the talent show.

He said: "I got the call to say I won’t be back on the show, and it’s a bit of a shock, to be honest. I didn’t expect that. They’ll find someone great, I’m sure.

But am I going to miss it? Yeah.

“Did I want to leave? No. Will I still watch the show? Of course, but it’ll be sore thinking that could have been me."

'Anywhere' hitmaker Rita, 32, is unable to film every episode of 'The Masked Singer' because of other work commitments and the news that former 'X Factor' star Olly will be filling in for her comes just days after it was revealed that 'Absolutely Fabulous' actress Jennifer Saunders will also be sitting in on occasion.

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