The Masked Dancer UK has unveiled a very special replacement for Mo Gilligan in series 2.

The comedian will be very busy touring later this year, so won't have time to devote to a full series of the ITV reality competition this time around. To replace him, ITV has only picked one of the most revered players in the England football team's history!

That's right, Peter Crouch will be filling in for Mo alongside Davina McCall, Oti Mabuse and Jonathan Ross on the judging panel as they join presenter Joel Dommett in trying to narrow down the celebrity dancers.

the masked singer uk judge mo gilligan
ITV

"The show is a firm favourite in our household and when asked I jumped at the chance to take part," Crouch said today. "I am competitive and I'm currently scrolling through friends' socials looking for those tell-tale dance moves. Another plus is by being on the panel my social media, family and friends won’t be constantly speculating that I’m hiding behind one of the masks."

In this series, 12 more celebrities will don the elaborate costumes in hopes of fooling the judges with elusive dance moves and clue packages that will hopefully be just vague enough to keep them all guessing.

Viewers haven't seen the last of Mo Gilligan either, as the comedian is confirmed to be making a surprise appearance at some point during The Masked Dancer season 2.

"I love being a part of the Masked Team so I'm gutted to be missing most of the series this year as I'll be working in the US," Mo said.

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Mike Marsland/WireImage//Getty Images
Peter Crouch

"BUT I've got the perfect sub to take my place. A legend on and off the pitch and one of the nicest guys in the industry, Crouchy knows a thing or two about fancy footwork, we've got this."

ITV initially was publicly sceptical about the future of The Masked Dancer after its first run last year, but ultimately ordered a second series just before the New Year.

The Masked Dancer UK returns later this year on ITV.

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