Davina McCall has confessed Rita Ora is "struggling" on this year's series of The Masked Singer.
The ITV show is returning to screens on January 1st and ahead of the show, panellist Davina has revealed the singer is finding it tricky to guess the stars this year - after winning the past two series.
Rita and Davina are returning to the panel this year alongside Mo Gilligan and Jonathan Ross, whilst Joel Dommett will host.
Speaking ahead of the new series, Davina said: "It's interesting. Rita is slightly struggling because it's all gone to next level harder. Rita’s like, 'I can’t tune into the voices in the same way.'
"Jonathan’s actually doing weirdly well but Jonathan does know every single human being on the planet because he’s interviewed them or he’s played some kind of game with them. He’s got a story about everyone. It's amazing, but don’t tell him I said that because it will go really badly to his head."
Rita has also confessed she is finding this series the "hardest".
"I think this series is the hardest because people are catching onto what our strong points are," she added, "I always listen to the voice, Jonathan and Mo are so strong on the comedy side of things, Davina knows everyone! It’s hard for me now because they’re adjusting their accents and their singing voices which is what I always rely on."
The singer feels an added pressure now there's a live studio audience, as she shared: "It’s so good but it’s also like you’re really trying to impress them with your guesses and you’re relying on their reactions. That could be great but it could also not be great!
"I’ve had an experience where my guess didn’t get a reaction and it actually turned out to be that person. There’s pros and cons like everything but I actually love having that second opinion with the crowd."
Jonathan thinks Rita is in it to win it this year - but says she's not doing great so far.
"Rita’s the one who wants to really win this series, she won the last two," he said, "I think she feels going for the hat trick is a prize worth getting. So far, I think she's doing the worst out of all of us and that’s quite delightful."
*The Masked Singer from 1st January at 7pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
