Rita Ora will return to The Masked Singer as a judge for the third series
RITA ORA has not set foot on home soil for the past nine months but one thing is tempting her back: Celebs warbling hits while wearing crazy costumes.
Despite Rita moving to Los Angeles, I can reveal she will return as a judge for the third series of The Masked Singer and is planning a two-week trip back here to shoot next month.
There had been questions over whether she would return following her infamous Covid rule-breaking 30th birthday party last November.
She was also the only Masked Singer judge who did not take part in spin-off The Masked Dancer, being replaced by Oti Mabuse.
But a source close to Rita said: “She loves doing the show and though she has set up a new life in LA, she was determined to still take part.
“She has been out of the UK for the whole of 2021 but she won’t be back for long because at the moment the trip is only scheduled for a fortnight.
“There will be strict Covid rules on set but she’s hoping to see some family and friends while she’s here. It’s really important to her.
“The events of last year very much tainted the UK for her. She sees this as a working trip. LA is her home now.”
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Joel Dommett will also return to host the hit ITV show.
Last month I told how Rita had relocated to the US despite shelling out £7.5million on a North London home at the start of 2021.
During a stint in Sydney to film The Voice Australia earlier this year, Rita met Kiwi film director Taika Waititi and they have set up home together in the US.
After just six months of dating, fans are convinced Rita and Taika are engaged after she posted a snap of her hand with the ring finger craftily obscured.
Ovie: Isle be Wes 2
WITH Wes Nelson having made a success of his move into music, another Love Island star is hoping to follow in his footsteps.
I have learned 2019 Islander and pro basketball player Ovie Soko has been writing and recording with a view to launching a rap career.
A music insider said: “Ovie’s music career is in the early stages but it’s an industry he is making moves to get into. He has been working hard in the studio, writing and recording tunes, and reckons he has music people would like.
“He has had some really good feedback so far but is still working hard, so it will be a while until anyone hears anything.
“Ovie wants to get a record label involved but that hasn’t happened yet.”
The 6ft 7in Londoner has 1.8million followers on Instagram.
That is 200,000 more than Wes, who went to No3 with his debut single See Nobody and who has recently collaborated with Clean Bandit after landing a huge deal with Universal Music.
Not all Islanders are so talented and I hope Ovie has some good music to release instead of simply cashing in on reality TV fame.
Big comeback
AFTER confirming their big comeback, ABBA are heading for their first Official UK Top 10 singles chart appearance in 40 years.
The foursome – Agnetha Fältskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad – have landed at No6 and No 7 in the early charts with I Still Have Faith In You and Don’t Shut Me Down.
After years of speculation over a reunion, the group will finally return next year with a brand-new hologram show, dubbed Abba Voyage, in a purpose-built venue at East London’s Olympic Park.
The venture is likely to see each member pocketing an estimated £100million a year.
One for the boyz, Nicki
NICKI Minaj appeared to be auditioning to be the next Catwoman with her latest outfit choice.
The rapper showed off her curves in a jaw- dropping black PVC catsuit on Twitter.
Nicki wore high heels – and an even higher ponytail – with the eye-catching look, along with an ankle bracelet and giant Chun-Li necklace referencing her 2018 hit track.
Last month I revealed how Nicki had recorded a part on Jesy Nelson’s debut solo single Boyz.
She worked with the former Little Mix star on the song, which is expected out later this month.
Jesy was hit with a delay on the track, forcing her to delay the release date.
While it was a setback for Jesy, the postponement meant she avoided a potentially awkward clash with her former bandmates – who dropped their new song Love (Sweet Love) last week.
Jesy has been in talks to perform at the MTV VMAs this weekend alongside Nicki but insiders said the pair have yet to confirm.
The clock is ticking, ladies.
Robbie: My art's not s**t
THERE must be something in the water, as Robbie Williams is the latest star to reveal they’re branching out into art.
The former Take That singer said he’d been inspired to become a painter after watching artist Banksy’s satirical film, Exit Through The Gift Shop.
The 2010 documentary follows the life of Mr Brainwash, whose works become a hit despite being absolutely rubbish
Speaking about his creations, Robbie insisted his weren’t as bad, however.
He said: “I watched Exit Through The Gift Shop and thought, ‘I’m creative – if I shone my light on that, what would come out?’
“Mine are a mix of Basquiat, a Japanese artist and me – and it’s not s**t!”
A cheeky snap, Posh
HE goes by the nickname Goldenballs but David Beckham will have golden cheeks when he wakes up.
The ex-England football captain was snapped by wife Victoria Beckham enjoying an outdoor nap in their home swimming pool.
And it seemed David was keen to avoid having any unsightly white bits, as he pulled down his Versace swim shorts to ensure maximum tanning.
Former Spice Girls singer Victoria merrily shared the picture on her Instagram account and wrote next to it: “Happy Sunday, you’re welcome.”
The photograph went down a treat with Posh’s 29million followers and got more than 500,000 likes in just a couple of hours.
Because he still looks so good, I’m sure David will forgive her cheek.
HRVY’S run of luck
JLS are opening the National Television Awards this week but fans watching at home and at London’s O2 Arena have another treat in store.
Singer HRVY will also perform at what is the biggest night on the box.
The former Strictly star will debut his new single Run Away With It live at the event.
The track samples Nineties smash I Love Your Smile by Shanice.
He will be joined on stage by his TV dance partner Janette Manrara as well as some surprise guests.
HRVY will later open for Olly Murs at The Hop Farm in Kent on September 18 before embarking on a ten-date UK tour next month.
That includes gigs in Newcastle and Manchester, as well as two nights at the London Palladium.
Tickets for the first concert sold out within minutes.
It’s great to see him going from strength to strength.
Harry’s waisted in Vegas
HARRY Styles returned to the stage over the weekend in a typically rock ’n’ roll manner.
The former One Direction star showed off his extensive body art in an unbuttoned red sequinned waistcoat and bright high waist trousers during the first night of his Love On Tour trek in Las Vegas.
Harry completed his look with a pair of nude heeled boots – perfect for a wild night out in Sin City.
The tour was due to reach the UK earlier this year but due to Covid all his European dates have been postponed until further notice.
During his set Harry ran around the stage and waved an LGBT flag in support of the gay community and did his best whale impression – spitting water out of his mouth and above his head.
I am looking forward to him coming back to Blighty to see this set for myself.
Foxy’s war for wellness
PETER Andre’s doctor wife Emily and Jason “Foxy” Fox from SAS: Who Dares Wins have teamed up to launch a mental health app.
The duo have thrown their support behind Mentor360, created by former soldier Bertie Bassett, which helps those who suffer in silence.
After experiencing PTSD following his time in the Armed Forces, Foxy knows first-hand the importance of seeking support rather than battling on alone.
The Special Forces veteran said: “I served for many years with Bertie and when he came to me about his vision for Mentor360, it was immediately something I wanted to be involved in.
“I managed to turn my life around through structure. Mentor360 provides the guidance and support needed to help users find what works for them to improve their mental fitness and general wellbeing.”
It’s great to see celebs cheerleading worthwhile causes instead of just flogging online discount codes for their own gain.
True love
THE course of true love never does run smooth but things are on the up for Celeste.
I told last month how the singer-songwriter had split from her boyfriend of 18 months, Sonny Hall, after a series of rows.
But I’ve learned she has taken the model back – and he is expected to join her at Thursday’s Mercury Prize bash.
Her debut album Not Your Muse is up for the big award and she will perform at the ceremony at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, West London.
A source said: “They have been talking through everything and want to give things another go.
“They really love each other, so they are going to do everything to make it work.”