Raised on the Isle of Man, Barks studied ballet and tap dancing in her youth and later attended the Arts Educational Schools London in Chiswick, where she finished her A levels. In 2007, Barks released an independently produced debut album, Looking in Your Eyes. A year later, she auditioned for the BBC's I'd Do Anything, on which she ultimately finished in third place. After I'd Do Anything, Barks embarked on a musical career playing Sally Bowles in the U.K. tour of Cabaret from 2008 to 2009, and Eponine in a London production of Les Misérables from 2010 to 2011. In 2012, Barks began starring in the Disney Channel's mixed live action and animation series Groove High. Also in 2012, Barks reprised her role as Eponine in director Tom Hooper's film adaptation of the stage musical Les Misérables. She returned to the stage with roles in Chicago, City of Angels, and a musical version of the film Amélie, and in June 2016, released her eponymous sophomore album. ~ Matt Collar