Wagner to battle odds for X Factor survival

Black Country X Factor oddball Wagner Carrilho will fight for his survival on the show tonight - as bookies reveal he is the second favourite to be given the boot.

Drama queen Katie Waissel is the least popular with the fans and could also be sent packing if rumours of a double eviction prove true.

Flamboyant Brazilian Wagner, who lives in Pensnett in Dudley, has survived on the show on the back of mad performances that have seen him prance around stage as Elvis, play the bongos and flirt with dozens of scantily-clad dancers.

But bookies' odds show the public's fascination with the crazy crooner is wearing thin.

Fame-hungry Katie, who has found herself in the bottom two almost every week on the back of the nation's phone votes, is the 5/6 favourite to be kicked off tonight.

She is said to be at odds with her mentor Cheryl Cole over her song choice for tonight's show, which will feature Elton John's hits. Katie has swapped The Bitch is Back for Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting).

Friends of Wagner today said he won't let the odds get in his way of enjoying his stay on the show.

Mandy Dhaliwal, aged 26, who owns Tasty Fish Bar in Commonside, Pensnett, said: "He's very realistic and knows anyone can go any week.

"If it's his turn, then he will accept that but at the moment he's just enjoying every minute."

Paije Richardson is the third favourite to be kicked off at 5/1. A spokesperson for William Hill said: "Katie has been in the sing-off three times now and we think that she may well be on her way."

Wagner, who will sing I'm Still Standing tonight, performed at Plum Pudding, in Armitage, near Rugeley just days before performing on the show.

Owner Roma Fiero said: "He was short of work and was desperate to be booked for the night. Some people say he can't sing but on the night I thought he had a wonderful singing voice."

Simon Cowell's band One Direction, featuring Wolverhampton's Liam Payne, are the third least likely to be booted off.