ITV Masked Singer Pufferfish 'unveiled' star Samantha Barks' career and family
The Masked Singer UK fans are convinced that Samantha Barks is the famous face behind Pufferfish. Here's everything you need to know about the West End star.
The Masked Singer UK's sixth series on ITV has crossed the halfway mark, with viewers eagerly trying to decipher the identities of the remaining seven characters.
One character that has been garnering significant attention is Pufferfish, who has impressed us all with their exceptional singing talent - arguably some of the best vocals the show has ever witnessed.
The internet is buzzing with speculation about Pufferfish's identity, with several American celebrities like Hayden Panettiere, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Lea Michele, Jamie-Lynn Spears and Katy Perry being suggested.
However, some fans of musical theatre, including myself, are convinced that Samantha Barks is the person behind the mask. If that's the case, let's delve into the life and career of this West End star.
Fans are convinced that Samantha Barks is the face behind The Masked Singer's Pufferfish (Image: ITV)
Born and brought up in Laxey on the Isle of Man by her parents Richard and Ann, and older sister Kim, Samantha started dancing at the tender age of three.
She trained in ballet, modern and tap dance before joining the Manx Ballet Company. At the young age of 16, Samantha moved to London alone to complete her A Levels at the Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in Chiswick.
In 2007, she launched her debut album, Looking in Your Eyes, which sold approximately 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, reports the Mirror.
Samantha's career took a dramatic turn in 2008 when she emerged as one of the finalists in the BBC competition show, I'd Do Anything. The programme was on the hunt for a fresh face to play Nancy in the West End revival of Oliver!
Samantha played Éponine in Les Misérables on the West End and in the film (Image: Universal Pictures)
At just 17, Samantha secured third place, trailing behind Jessie Buckley and winner Jodie Prenger - all three have since carved out successful careers in the industry.
Just three months post-show, Samantha was announced as the lead, Sally Bowles, in the UK tour of Cabaret. She also got her chance to play Nancy in the touring production of Oliver!
Her West End debut came in 2010 when she played Éponine in Les Misérables. This role proved to be a game-changer as producer Cameron Mackintosh selected her to reprise the character in both the 25th Anniversary Concert of the show and the 2012 musical film. This led to her performing alongside her co-stars at the prestigious 85th Oscars ceremony in 2013.
Her rendition of On My Own from Les Misérables is still highly regarded today, even making it onto the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release.
After impressing audiences in Les Misérables, Samantha went on to play Velma Kelly in the 2013 production of Chicago at The Hollywood Bowl. She also shared the stage with Bridgerton/Wicked star Jonathan Bailey in The Last Five Years and took on the title role in the world premiere of Amélie.
Samantha Barks played Elsa in Frozen the Musical on the West End from 2021 to 2024 (Image: DAILY MIRROR)
In 2017, Samantha first graced the stage as Vivian in the musical adaptation 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, a run that spanned 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 shared about her character.
"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. After a four-month maternity leave, she returned to her role in Frozen.
The star has also released three studio albums and even served as a judge on All Star Musicals and 2023's Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream - a talent search for two performers to play Sophie and Sky in Mamma Mia! on 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
On The Masked Singer, Pufferfish has impressed audiences with stunning 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 fans speculate that the song choice could hint at Elsa losing her powers in Frozen - a scene Samantha would have enacted night after night during her four-year stint in the West End.
The celebrity has quashed rumours about her participation in the show, assuring inquisitive followers on X (previously known as Twitter) that "it's not me sorry" – though this might just be a sly diversion.
Samantha, celebrated for her stunning singing chops, could indeed be the talent beneath the Pufferfish costume. We'll have to wait and see.
The Masked Singer UK is available to watch on ITVX