The Masked Singer UK’s sixth series is well underway on ITV, with viewers eagerly trying to guess the identities of the remaining seven characters.
One character that has caught everyone’s attention is Pufferfish, who has impressed us all with their incredible vocals – arguably some of the best we’ve ever heard on the show.
Speculation about Pufferfish’s identity has been rife online, with many American names being suggested. Guesses have included Hayden Panettiere, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Lea Michele, Jamie-Lynn Spears and Katy Perry.
However, some musical theatre enthusiasts – including myself – are convinced that Samantha Barks is behind the mask. If that’s the case, let’s delve into the West End star’s career and life so far.
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Fans are convinced that Samantha Barks is the face behind The Masked Singer’s Pufferfish (Image: ITV)
Samantha was born and raised in Laxey on the Isle of Man with her parents Richard and Ann, and older sister Kim. She started dancing at the tender age of three, training in ballet, modern and tap, before joining the Manx Ballet Company.
At just 16 years old, Samantha moved to London alone to complete her A Levels at the Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in Chiswick. In 2007, Samantha released her debut album, Looking in Your Eyes, which sold around 600 copies.
That same year, she supported Matt Willis and the Sugababes, and represented the Isle of Man in the Maltese International Song Competition – which she won.
Samantha Barks’ career took a dramatic turn in 2008 when she became a finalist on the competition show, I’d Do Anything, which sought a new lead for the West End revival of Oliver!
The then 17-year-old Samantha secured third place, behind runner-up Jessie Buckley and winner Jodie Prenger. All three have since enjoyed successful careers.
Samantha played Éponine in Les Misérables on the West End and in the film (Image: Universal Pictures)
Just three months after the show concluded, Samantha was announced as the lead role of Sally Bowles in the UK tour of Cabaret. She also got her chance to play Nancy in the Oliver! tour.
In 2010, Samantha made her West End debut as Éponine in Les Misérables, a role that would change her life. Producer Cameron Mackintosh chose her to reprise the role in the 25th Anniversary Concert of the show and in the 2012 musical film. This led to her performing alongside her co-stars at the 85th Oscars ceremony in 2013.
Samantha’s rendition of ‘On My Own’ is still highly regarded today, even making it onto the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release.
After impressing audiences in Les Misérables, Samantha played Velma Kelly in the 2013 production of Chicago at The Bowl. She also performed alongside Bridgerton/Wicked star Jonathan Bailey in The Last Five Years, and starred in the title role of the world premiere of Amélie.
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Samantha Barks played Elsa in Frozen the Musical on the West End from 2021 to 2024 (Image: DAILY MIRROR)
In 2017, Samantha originated the role of Vivian in the stage musical of Pretty Woman, which debuted in Chicago before making its way to Broadway. She then landed the role of Elsa in the West End production of Frozen, which ran from August 2021 to September 2024.
“Every other part I’ve played has a love interest, and that has been like the main focus. This is not that at all… Elsa is a really complex part,” Samantha once said. “And she’s so isolated, so that’s very interesting. It’s a lot of ‘conceal and don’t feel’ until she has that moment of self-acceptance and self-love.”
Samantha tied the knot with her Pretty Woman co-star Alex Stoll in 2022, and they welcomed their son Rafael in October 2023. She returned to Frozen four months after her maternity leave.
The star has three studio albums under her belt and has even judged talent on All Star Musicals and 2023’s Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream – a show that sought two performers to play Sophie and Sky in Mamma Mia! in London’s West End. The judging panel also included Amber Riley, Jessie Ware and Alan Carr.
Samantha Barks was a judge on Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream in 2023 (Image: ITV)
On The Masked Singer, Pufferfish has impressed with beautiful performances of Chappell Roan’s ‘Good Luck, Babe’ and Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’.
Last weekend, the star performed ‘Lose Control’ by Teddy Swims. Many speculate that the song choice could hint at Elsa losing her powers in Frozen – a scene Samantha enacted every night in the West End for four years.
The singer has denied she’s part of the show, saying “it’s not me sorry” to suspicious followers on X, previously known as Twitter – however, she could be bluffing.
As Samantha is famous for her impressive vocals, she could indeed be the mysterious Pufferfish. Only time will tell.
The Masked Singer UK is available to watch on ITVX