The Masked Singer UK's sixth series is underway on ITV, and viewers are captivated as they try to decipher the identities of the contestants, particularly one character who stands out above the rest: Pufferfish. The performer has garnered attention for delivering some of the best vocals the show has ever seen, sparking rampant speculation about their true identity.
Numerous American celebrities have been suggested as potential candidates, including Hayden Panettiere, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Lea Michele, Jamie-Lynn Spears, and Katy Perry. Yet, many musical theatre enthusiasts, including fervent fans, are convinced it is British star Samantha Barks behind the Pufferfish mask. If true, it would mark another highlight in her impressive career.
Samantha Barks was born and raised in Laxey on the Isle of Man by her parents Richard and Ann, along with her older sister Kim. From her early years, she demonstrated remarkable talent, starting dance lessons at just three years old, training in ballet, modern, and tap before joining the Manx Ballet Company.
At the young age of 16, Barks took the bold step of moving to London to complete her A Levels at the Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in Chiswick. Her solo career was launched with the release of her debut album, Looking in Your Eyes, in 2007, which sold around 600 copies. That same year, she supported artists such as Matt Willis and the Sugababes, and also represented the Isle of Man, winning the Maltese International Song Competition.
Her breakthrough came when she participated as a finalist on the BBC competition show, I'd Do Anything, which sought to cast the new lead for the West End revival of Oliver!. At just 17, she finished in third place, following runner-up Jessie Buckley and winner Jodie Prenger. Remarkably, all three have gone on to have flourishing careers.
Just three months post-show, Barks landed the role of Sally Bowles for the UK tour of Cabaret, and soon after, she played Nancy in the Oliver! tour. Barks made her official West End debut as Éponine in Les Misérables back in 2010. This role was transformative for her career, as she was chosen by producer Cameron Mackintosh to reprise it for the 25th Anniversary Concert and later for the 2012 film adaptation.
Her powerful rendition of 'On My Own' became particularly notable and even landed on the Billboard Hot 100 after its release. Barks' performance at the 85th Academy Awards, where she performed alongside her castmates, remains one of her most memorable moments.
After her success with Les Misérables, Samantha portrayed Velma Kelly at the Hollywood Bowl's Chicago production, shared the stage with Jonathan Bailey compellingly during The Last Five Years, and starred as the titular character in the world premiere of Amélie. Her achievements continued as she originated the role of Vivian in the stage musical adaptation of Pretty Woman, which debuted in Chicago before moving to Broadway, and most recently, she took on the role of Elsa from Disney's Frozen, performing from August 2021 until September 2024.
“Every other part I’ve played has had a love interest, which has typically been the main focus. This isn't the case with Elsa,” she remarked. “She’s such a complex character. There’s so much isolation, and her transformation to self-acceptance is interesting.”
Barks’ personal life saw her tie the knot with her Pretty Woman co-star Alex Stoll last year, and the couple welcomed their son, Rafael, who was born in October 2023. Following her maternity leave of four months, she made her return to Frozen.
A talented artist, Barks has released three studio albums and even appeared as a judge on numerous talent shows, like All Star Musicals and the recent production Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream. For the latter show, they sought performers to play leading roles in London's West End alongside fellow judges Amber Riley, Jessie Ware, and Alan Carr.
On The Masked Singer, Pufferfish has already impressed the audience with stunning performances of Chappell Roan’s 'Good Luck, Babe' and Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'. Most recently, the character delivered 'Lose Control' by Teddy Swims, leading fans to speculate whether this choice alluded to Elsa losing control of her powers, something Barks has acted out night after night on stage during her tenure.
Despite ample speculation, Barks has taken to social media to deny involvement, asserting on X (formerly Twitter): "It’s not me sorry." But many believe this could be part of an elaborate deception.
With her stunning vocal abilities renowned across the industry, it's no wonder she is under serious consideration as the identity of Pufferfish. Only time will tell who is hiding behind the mask, as viewers continue to tune in to The Masked Singer UK, available to watch on ITVX every week.