Pufferfish will finally reveal their true identity to The Masked Singer fans during Saturday’s grand finale on ITV – but several eagle-eyed sleuths are already convinced they’ve nailed the mystery.
The disguised performer will take to the stage one final time against Dressed Crab and Wolf to see which concealed famous face will emerge victorious.
Guesses have ranged wildly among the judges as to who is performing under Pufferfish’s mask, with the likes of Renee Zellweger and Nicole Scherzinger emerging as two candidates during last week’s semi-final.
“You have the voice of an angel. Honestly, that was so beautiful,” judge Maya Jama remarked after Pufferfish’s latest performance before opting for the Pussycat Doll singer as her guess. Elsewhere, guest judge Richard E Grant fixated on a “Chicago” clue to land on Zellweger.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Ross was convinced Pufferfish was indeed a singer and performer and threw his backing behind Glee star Lea Michele.
Davina McCall, however, had an entirely different guess. “So… Windy City, Chicago, yes. And empty chairs at empty tables,” she mused.
ITV The Masked Singer: Pufferfish has made it to the final
ITV
“This is somebody that was in Les Mis. And the last time we saw you, we saw quite a lot of Disney. So I’m thinking princess… I’m thinking of a more modern Disney princess… Samantha Barks.”
Convinced, McCall continued: “Elsa. One of the most popular Disney princesses in the West End. Frozen. Disney royalty. Samantha Barks. Oh my God, I’m so excited. I think I might have one right.”
McCall’s detective skills may have just paid off too as not only are fans backing Barks to be the person under Pufferfish’s disguise, but bookmakers are too.
Entertainment expert at Gambling.com, James Leyfield, told GB News: “Pufferfish is the toughest of the three characters left to guess, according to the markets, but Samantha Barks is odds-on favourite to be under the mask.
ITV The Masked Singer: Samantha Barks has emerged as a likely candidate to be under Pufferfish
PA
“The West End star has been cut to 8/13 to be Pufferfish after several clues appeared to match up. France was one clue that could be a reference to Samantha, after she appeared as Eponine in 2012 film Les Miserables.”
However, there is some doubt lingering as Barks faces competition in the market from a few other famous faces.
“One recent clue was a framed picture of Coronation Street icon Gail Platt, who was played by soap stalwart Helen Worth,” Leyfield explained.
“Some believed this could be a nod to Corrie stars past and present, including Kym Marsh (7/4), Jodie Prenger (2/1) or Lucy Fallon (3/1).
“Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham (6/4) is a late entrant to the Pufferfish market, but it would be a big surprise if Barks isn’t under the mask.”
McCall and the bookmakers also have the support of several members of the Masked Singer fandom who’ve been flooding social media of late with their opinions on whether or not Barks is under the mask.
One X user typed on the social media platform: “#Maskedsingeruk pufferfish is definitely Samatha Barks two amazing performances so excited to see the grand final performance.”
“Didn’t think I could love Samantha Barks anymore and then she absolutely smashes a disco banger?! What a QUEEN #MaskedSingerUK,” a second said adamantly.
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Elsewhere, a third echoed: “I’m SO ready for Puffer Fish to win this series. Can’t believe Davina finally guessed Samantha Barks! I’ve never been more certain in my life and I need her to belt out Let It Go next week and snatch the crown #MaskedSingerUK.”
“Pufferfish is 100% Samantha Barks #MaskedSingerUK,” a fourth concurred.
While a fifth commented: “Pufferfish never gives less than 100% – incredible range tonight. Samantha Barks performed Chicago at the Hollywood Bowl. What a powerhouse performer!”
And a sixth tipped: “The accent on some of the words and hand movements – completely Samantha Barks. I’ve never been so certain and I’m so scared #MaskedSingerUK.” (sic)
Fans will have to tune into Saturday’s grand finale to find out once and for all which performer is under the Pufferfish disguise.