ITV The Masked Singer fans fuming as ‘best singer ever on show’ loses in grand finale: ‘Absolute joke!’
ITV The Masked Singer viewers were left divided over the shows grand finale where West End star Samantha Barks was crowned the winner after being unmasked as Pufferfish in Saturday night’s nail-biting showdown.
The 34-year-old theatre actress triumphed over Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, who was revealed as Dressed Crab, and Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow, unmasked as Wolf.
The judging panel, consisting of Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and previous winner Danny Jones, had correctly guessed Barks’ identity before her unveiling.
Barks delivered a stunning rendition of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” in the final, which helped secure her victory.
Following her win, the actress beamed as she addressed the audience: “I’ve had the best time. Underneath the mask, I’ve been smiling so hard – it’s hurting my cheeks! It’s been amazing.”
The star also performed a duet of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” with Jones during the show.
Barks revealed she had been leading a “double life” during the competition, balancing her masked performances with her starring role as Elsa in the West End production of Frozen.
The theatre star, who rose to fame on BBC’s I’d Do Anything before making her film debut in Les Misérables, has established herself as one of the West End’s leading performers.
“It’s been so liberating in a way as you’re not you,” Barks reflected on performing behind the mask. “I loved it.”
Runner-up Gregory Porter, revealed as Dressed Crab, admitted to facing challenges with his costume during the competition.
“Who needs oxygen?” the 53-year-old jazz star joked after being unmasked, revealing he had to overcome claustrophobia in the restrictive outfit.
Third-placed Marti Pellow impressed the audience as Wolf with his performance of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” before joining former contestant Claire Richards for a duet of “With You I’m Born Again.”
The Wet Wet Wet singer, 59, called it an “incredible experience” and said: “From day one I threw myself into it and I enjoyed it.”
Despite the joyous nature of the final, fans were divided on Barks being crowned the winner with many claiming Gregory Porter was the deserved champion.
“How the hell did Gregory Porter, easily the best singer that’s ever graced the show not win. What are the audience basing this on? #maskedsingeruk,” one questioned.
Another fumed: “I’m beyond p****d that Gregory porter didn’t win WTAF AS IF.. THE BEST SINGER ALL SERIES!!!! absolute joke #maskedsingeruk.”
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“How the hell did Marti Pellow and Gregory Porter lose to (insert whomever this bird is here….I have no clue)? Personally, I didn’t enjoy her performances at any point. I also thought the lineup was rather weak this season sadly. #maskedsingeruk,” a third raged.
A fourth more even handed viewer added: “Amazing final 2 – both Crab and Pufferfish have been brilliant! Pufferfish is amazing but genuinely thought Crab was gonna win! Gregory Porter is outstanding #maskedsingeruk.”
However, others were overjoyed for Barks and expressed their joy at the show’s conclusion.
One fan wrote: “SUPERB! Congrats to Samantha – amazing voice, and singing an iconic song from #Dreamgirls – you had me in tears!”
“What an amazing final – very well deserved #samanthaBarks (I have to admit to not knowing this amazing person until this show). Stunning talent,” another enthused.
A third celebrated: “So happy #PufferFishwon, shes been amazing every week! And I guessed right with #samanthabarks what an incredible voice.”