A HUGE ITV show has been axed for 2023, after just two series.
The much-loved programme will not be making a return later this year as expected, in favour of the Rugby World Cup.
ITV show The Masked Dancer is set to be axed despite its huge popularity.
Launching in 2021 after the success of The Masked Singer, the series sees 12 mystery celebrities battle it out in a similar manner.
The masked stars, hidden by their elaborate costumes, give away clues to their identities in between performing dances.
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Judged by Oti Mabuse, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan, a dancer was unmasked in each 90-minute episode.
Joel Dommett would then announce who was set to be unmasked, with their true identity revealed.
However, despite its huge popularity, sources have confirmed it won't be making a comeback for a third series.
The move was decided in order to make room for the Rugby World Cup 2023, which will air on ITV from September.
A show insider 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," they added.
"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."
Last year, The Masked Dancer saw Scissors go up against Onomatopoeia in a heated final.
While Onomatopoeia was revealed to be Hollywood heart-throb Adam Garcia, Scissors was unmasked as another US star.
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The Masked Dancer 2022 champion was Glee actress Heather Morris, who was delighted at the news.
