West End star Samantha Barks has broken her silence on social media after being crowned the winner of The Masked Singer UK 2025.
The 34-year-old Isle of Man native impressed audiences as Pufferfish, ultimately defeating Grammy-winning singer Gregory Porter, who finished second as Dressed Crab.
In the final episode, the three remaining contestants delivered their last performances for judges Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and guest panelist Danny Jones, last year’s winner.
The 34-year-old Isle of Man native triumphed over Grammy-winning singer Gregory Porter, who finished second as Dressed Crab, after wowing audiences week after week as Pufferfish. Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow took third place after being unmasked as Wolf.
In the final episode, the three remaining contestants performed their last songs for judges Maya Jama, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, and guest panelist Danny Jones, last year’s winner.
Viewer reactions to Barks’ victory were mixed, with many admitting they were unfamiliar with the performer despite her high-profile roles. Others argued that Porter deserved the top spot.
“I haven’t a clue who she is,” one fan wrote on X, while another asked, “Who? Never heard of her.”
Despite the backlash, some viewers developed a new appreciation for Samantha Barks, with one writing, “What an amazing final – very well deserved #samanthaBarks (I have to admit to not knowing this amazing person until this show). Stunning talent.”
Others who were already familiar with her work defended the singer, with one fan praising, “Samantha Barks is an amazing singer, love her!”
After her victory, Barks took to Instagram on Sunday morning, sharing: “The Pufferfish is out the bag!!
“Thank you so much to everyone at The Masked Singer @itv for being so kind and making it such a fabulous experience. I have loved watching everyone playing along and guessing!!”
She also shared, “What a dream getting to sing with @dannyjonesofficial. Lastly, to my dear Pufferfish, being you was SO much fun.”
Speaking to host Joel Dommett after her win, Barks expressed her excitement about stepping away from her usual role, saying how much she enjoyed the experience.
“For me, because I’ve played Elsa (on the West End) for three years, it’s been so fun to just do lots of different stuff!” she said.
“Every week, I’ve wanted to try a new style, a new kind of song, and that was really fun.”
The performer also revealed she had kept the entire experience a secret. “I feel like I’ve lived this double life, I’ve had this crazy experience but nobody in my life knows this! So I love it! It’s so secretive.”