Tattooing career a new step for X Factor star Wagner

Now Brazilian-born Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho, aged 57 and living in Halesowen, has turned himself into an altogether different kind of artist – a tattooist.

Wagner, who became a cult phenomenon during his 2010 run on the TV talent show, is still in show business, with a recent cameo appearance along with other well-loved contestants in last year's final.

But he now has another string to his bow after qualifying as a registered tattoo artist.

He is offering his services to customers at his friend Simon Spencer's SS Tattoos studio, next to the Paragon muscle and fitness centre on the Dawley Trading Estate off Stallings Lane, Kingswinford.

There Wagner is working alongside his 22-year-old fiancee, Lydia Longville, who offers a tooth-whitening service.

Wagner, a former PE and martial arts teacher who lived in Pensnett at the height of his X Factor fame, is a fan of tattoos – having seven himself, ranging from eagles and panthers to dragons, snakes and swords.

He had become friends with Simon as he attended the Paragon fitness centre for physiotherapy on his shoulder and knees and began popping in for chats about their mutual interest in 'colours and forms'.

Soon Wagner decided to ask Simon to become his tutor.

He began several months ago by practising tattooing yellow melons and latex 'skin' and, after passing the test to become an artist registered with Dudley Council, moved on to create skin art on friends.

"He's qualified now but is still learning from me – and even at this early stage he's very good," said Simon, who has just moved his business from Paragon to a studio next door. Wagner, who recently made an appearance on ITVs's Fake Reaction and is now producing a dance track single and an album, said: "I can't be here full-time because I have other commitments. But I will be as professional a tattoo artist as I can be as a hobby."

Customers, who will pay £40 an hour for their tattoos at the studio, can even choose to have their skin art signed by Wagner. "It's a way of being remembered when I'm gone – young kids will be able to say they had their tattoo done by Wagner," he said.

Meanwhile, tooth-whitening technician Lydia, mother of Wagner's one-year-old son Leon, is sporting a diamond engagement ring, although the couple have not yet named the day for their wedding. She said: "We got engaged on my birthday in October and are very happy.

"We're enjoying being able to work together – with Wagner doing tattoos and me whitening customers' teeth."

Wagner's story on the X Factor in 2010

The X Factor finalist is now revelling in his diverse roles – bringing up little Leon with his young fiancee, flitting to TV engagements, doing tattoos and writing original material for his album.

"When I was doing gigs I was singing other people's songs – but that's just being a crooner and I want to do my own material," said Wagner.

"I am writing lyrics and getting together with musicians."

He does not want to give more away about his dance track and album – but says he hopes to release them for Christmas.

Wagner even made an appearance at last year's X Factor final. To mark the 10th anniversary of the contest, some of its biggest personalities were welcomed back to the stage.

Making a unique entrance, he arrived on a golf cart singing the B52's hit Love Shack as he played the bongos. Afterwards it was hailed as one of the stand out performances from the final.