X Factor star Wagner makes it through again

The popular Pensnett performer was voted through by fans on Sunday night's vote off show after belting out a medley of Spice Girls' hit Spice Up Your Life and Ricky Martin's Livin La Vida Loca on Saturday's 'guilty pleasures' themed show.

Wagner's surprise stay in the competition was at the expense of soulful John Adeleye, who was sent home after judges opted to save University of Wolverhampton student Treyc Cohen.

Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho, a 54-year-old former borough PE teacher and karate instructor, had reportedly resigned himself to being axed on Sunday after he allegedly slated the show as a set-up in an answer phone message which was leaked to the press.

But the Brazilian born tenor from Blewitt Street notched up enough support to stay another week - despite Simon Cowell's criticism of judge and mentor Louis Walsh's song choice.

Judge Cheryl Cole was lost for words after the performance, saying simply: " I don't know what to say."

But wacky Wagner has proved a firm favourite with fans across the country.

A Facebook site, Wagner to win X Factor, has attracted nearly 4,000 hits - and Dudley South MP Chris Kelly lists himself as a friend of the singer on the social networking site.

TV comic Harry Hill has also declared the eccentric crooner his favourite and featured a jokey take on press reports that Wagner has taken a shine to fellow over 28s contestant Mary Byrne.

Tesco worker Mary, however, is believed to have rubbished reports the pair are an item.

Controversial Wagner is now gearing up for his fourth live performance on the talent show - although the long-haired ladies’ man is reported to have had his wrists slapped by show bosses over claims by female contestants that he grabbed them and tried to kiss them.

An official complaint is also believed to have been made by an X Factor make-up artist who alleged Wagner grabbed her around the thighs.

Flamboyant Wagner, however, has put his touchy-feely behaviour down to his Brazilian exuberance.