THE Masked Singer has crowned its latest winner with Pufferfish being unmasked as a major theatre star.
Fans of the ITV guessing game were left stunned when it was confirmed that Pufferfish was in fact the West End’s leading lady, Samantha Barks.
They beat off competition from Dressed Crab and Wolf who were also revealed to be major stars.
The show’s panel – Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and guest judge Danny Jones – were left in awe when Samantha took off their mask to finally confirm their identity.
Speaking after she was unmasked, the star said to the panel: “I’ve had the best time, I’ve had the best time. Underneath the mask I’ve been smiling the whole time.”
Samantha, 34, rose to fame in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BBC talent show I’d Do Anything.
The programme searched for an actress to play Nancy in a revival of Oliver!
She made her film debut in the 2012 adaptation of Les Miserables, starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.
More recently, she has become the biggest West End star since Elaine Page and is famed for playing Elsa in the theatre production of Frozen.
Finishing a close runner-up to Samantha was Dressed Crab who turned out to be soul and jazz star Gregory Porter.
The 53-year-old has specifically twice won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album – in 2014 and 2017.
In addition, the musician is also known for his recognisable newsboy-style cap.
Wolf fell at the final hurdle and was revealed to have finished in 3rd place in the contest.
It was soon revealed to be iconic 80s singer Marti Pellow.
The singer rose to fame thanks to being the frontman of Wet Wet Wet.
In tonight’s final, the top three all undertook a duet with a past Masked Singer favourite who all made a comeback to the show.
Claire Richards from Steps was back as Knitting and last year’s champion Danny Jones returned as Piranha for extra special duets.
And US singer Keala Settle from The Greatest Showman even made a shock comeback as Air Fryer – much to the delight of the panel.
However, one person who failed to appear on the show was judge Mo Gilligan.
The comedian was missing for the second week running with his absence left unaddressed by his co-stars.
Last year’s winner, Danny Jones, instead filled in for him and took his place on the panel.
Pufferfish, Dressed Crab and Wolf had all managed to make it to the final after beating off tough competition from stars such as Andrea Corr, Example, Natalie Cassidy and Macy Gray.
One of this series’ most notable moments came in the form of US singer Macy storming off the stage after being forced to unmask herself after just three weeks in the competition.
Macy initially refused to take off her mask and had a backstage meltdown lasting over an hour before finally being persuaded to return to the stage.
Who has left The Masked Singer 2025 so far?
Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer is back in 2025.
Twelve celebrities have been hidden behind intricate costumes, with their identities concealed.
Sadly, not all of this year’s whacky and wonderful characters can make it to the end of the show, as there can only be one winner.
Here’s who has been unmasked so far:
Bush – she didn’t fool viewers and the judges were so close, but Bush was in fact EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. Davina McCall came closest, guessing Morgana Robinson, who does a mean impression of the Sonia actress
Bear – another success for new judge Maya Jama as she guessed correctly that the singing Bear was none other than singer, songwriter Example – real name Elliot Gleave
Snail – this singer certainly fooled the judges as the mask was lifted to reveal Andrea Corr. Jonathan Ross admitted to being a huge fan of The Corrs
Kingfisher – everyone was convinced this was Harry Hill, but the mask was lifted to reveal artist Sir Grayson Perry, who is known for his alter-ego Claire
Teeth – this character baffled judges and viewers with their changing voice. They were finally unmasked as former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc. None of the panel managed to guess it was her
Tattoo – despite Davina McCall saying “you sound the same” after this character was unmasked, none of the judges guessed it was 80s singer Carol Decker, whose hit China In Your Hand was a No1 hit for five weeks
Toad In The Hole – a massive diva strop saw the character storm off the stage after the judges voted them off. They later returned to be unmasked as singer Macy Gray
Pegasus – the mythical horse was revealed to be Prue Leith, with judge Jonathan Ross correctly guessing her identity
Spag Bol – this character was first to be unmasked and was none other than Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.
Plus there was one extra unmasking this season, with Giant Joel – a caricature of host Joel Dommett – unveiled as double-double Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.
