Wagner favourite for X factor final

Wagner Carrilho today became a very unlikely favourite to make it to the final of X Factor.

Bookmakers say the 53-year-old will make it to the very end of the contest.

The prediction comes after internet leaks claimed Wagner has been in the top half of the vote every week. According to the leaks, the Dudley singer has never been in danger of dropping into the bottom two.

Wagner, from Blewitt Street, Pensnett, a former teacher in Halesowen, has become a thorn in Simon Cowell's side since his arrival on the X Factor.

The judge says a victory for Wagner ­— and the £1m record contract prize — would be a "disaster". But that has only increased fans' determination to keep him in the competition, fuelled by an online campaign.

Bookmaker William Hill has cut his odds to win from an initial 100/1 to 14/1.

Wagner's performances have largely failed to impress the judges. He has forgotten the words of his songs, delivered outlandish routines, and sung out of tune.

A Facebook group supporting Wagner has more than 30,000 members. One wrote: "I want him to win and throw a spanner in the works of Simon Cowell 's obscene money-making machine."