The Masked Dancer axed after just two series

Hit ITV show The Masked Dancer has been axed after just two series.

The TV show will not return this year with another series despite proving to be hugely popular with viewers, as ITV have opted to air the Rugby World Cup, which begins in September, in its place.

A source told The Sun: "Fans will be gutted, but The Masked Dancer is being rested for 2023. Instead, ITV are showing the Rugby World Cup over the autumn."

However, the insider revealed there's still hope The Masked Dancer could return in the future, adding: "This doesn't mean it can't come back in 2024, and ITV have plans for other specials like The Masked Singer I'm A Celeb show."

The ITV show first launched back in 2021 following the huge success of The Masked Singer. Both shows have a similar format, with 12 celebrities battling it out to be crowned the winner while keeping their identity a secret throughout.

The masked stars, hidden by their extravagant costumes, then deliver clues to the audience and judges each week, with one celeb being unmasked in each episode.

The judging panel on The Masked Dancer was made up of Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan, with comedian Joel Dommett on hosting duties.

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Celebrities who have taken part in the show across the two series include the likes of Kimberley Walsh, Steph McGovern, Stacey Dooley, Joanna Page, Louis Smith and Howard Donald.

The first series, which aired in 2021, saw Louis Smith, who was dressed as 'Carwash', be crowned the winner, with actress Bonnie Langford and Howard Donald coming in second and third place.

The following year Heather Morris took home the crown, with Adam Garcia coming runner-up and Bruno Toniolo in third place.

The Masked Dancer was commissioned in 2021 following the success of The Masked Singer, which began airing in March 2020.

Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts won the first series, while Joss Stone and Natalie Imbruglia won the second and third seasons. The fourth season is currently airing on ITV every Saturday evening.

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