X Factor stars Liam Payne and Treyc defend Wagner

X Factor singing sensations Liam Payne and Treyc Cohen today defended fellow Midlands contender Wagner Carrilho, saying the flamboyant Brazilian brings the fun element to the show.

The 54-year-old has sustained support from fans across the country since week one — but has recently come under fire from eliminated contestants who feel it is unfair he is still in the competition over more talented singers.

Last week, the former Dudley PE teacher was noticeably booed by the studio audience after he survived the chop for another week.

But Liam and Treyc said he had a right to still be in the contest as much as anyone else, because he is a born entertainer and makes people smile.

"I think everyone deserves their place in their own little way in X Factor because it is not just a singing competition, otherwise it would be called something else," said Liam. The 17-year-old from Bushbury went on: ""He brings different things to the show. Everyone has got a guilty pleasure for Wagner as well."

And the teen heartthrob rubbished reports that the old crooner had been in a scrap with fellow bandmate Harry Styles. "They were just play-fighting. It was just a little joke," he said.

Treyc is still on cloud nine after seeing one of her favourite singers, Wolverhampton soul diva Beverly Knight.

The Tamworth contestant admired the artist from afar at the Cosmopolitan Awards this week.

"I couldn't believe I was there amongst the stars. It was brilliant," she enthused. "The weird thing was that they were more bothered about us. I saw Beverley Knight — and I absolutely love her. But I was too scared to go over."

She, too, defended Wagner, describing him as a "great" character who deserves to be in the show.

Asked if she agreed that she is failing to get the same attention that other girl contestants get from mentor Cheryl Cole, the Wolverhampton University student replied: "I am happy with everything. If I wasn't I would speak up. I am 27-years-old and I have a voice and opinion."

* A Facebook campaign set up to support eccentric X Factor singer Wagner Carrilho now boasts more than 14,000 members.

Wagner to win the X Factor now has 14,500 members backing the 54-year-old, from Blewitt Street, Pensnett.