Samantha Barks Unveiled as The Masked Singer’s Latest Champion
The Masked Singer has crowned its latest winner with Pufferfish being unmasked as the West End’s leading lady, Samantha Barks. Fans of the ITV singing competition were left stunned when it was confirmed that Pufferfish was indeed Samantha Barks, a renowned stage actress.
Credit: ITV
Unexpected Victory for Samantha Barks
The West End icon Samantha Barks, known for her roles in both musicals and Hollywood films, was revealed to be Pufferfish. She rose to fame in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BBC talent show I’d Do Anything and went on to star in the film adaptation of Les Misérables alongside Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. More recently, Barks has become one of the biggest stars in the West End, particularly famous for her performance as Elsa in the stage production of Frozen.
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During the reveal, Barks told the panel, “I’ve had the best time. Underneath the mask, I’ve been smiling the whole time.”
Close Competition and Celebrity Reveal
Samantha Barks beat off tough competition from Dressed Crab and Wolf, both also major stars in the entertainment industry. Dressed Crab was revealed to be soul and jazz singer Gregory Porter, who has won Grammy Awards twice for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Wolf, who came in third place, was none other than Marti Pellow, best known as the frontman of Wet Wet Wet.
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The show’s panel, including Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and Maya Jama, alongside guest judge Danny Jones, were left in awe when Samantha Barks took off her mask.
Backstage Drama: Macy Gray’s Meltdown
The episode showcased not only the elimination of Toad In The Hole but also highlighted the pressure and emotional toll of the competition on contestants.
Final Performances and Last Appearances
In the show’s grand finale, the top three performers — Pufferfish, Dressed Crab, and Wolf — took part in a duet with former Masked Singer stars Claire Richards and Danny Jones, as well as a surprise appearance by US singer Keala Settle. Claire Richards, known for her role in Steps, returned as Knitting, and Danny Jones, last year’s winner, appeared this time as Piranha.
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Credit: Getty
These return appearances added a touch of star power and nostalgia to the evening, making the final performances even more memorable.
The Enigma of Judge Mo Gilligan’s Absences
One notable absence from the finale was that of judge Mo Gilligan, who was missing for the second week running. His absence was left unaddressed by the other judges, adding another air of mystery to the competition.
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