Wagner backed in from 100/1 to 10/1 to seal X Factor victory

He even shortened into the 5/4 favourite to be the ninth act to be voted off the show, but again avoided the sing-off as Cher Lloyd stayed at the expense of Paije Richardson.

The Daily Mail has now reported of internet leaks which suggest that Wagner has not even been close to receiving the lowest number of votes yet and has regularly finished in the top half of the results.

This could mean that Wagner has more than a few diehard fans and a growing number of voters are desperate to ensure a first joke winner of the X Factor, alongside irritating creator and judge Simon Cowell.

A member of a Facebook group wrote: “I had never voted in any of these talent contests before but Wagner has become an anti-hero. He is everything the show doesn’t want. And that makes it funny.”

Wagner is again among the favourites to be the tenth X Factor elimination at 5/2, just after 5/4 favourite in this betting odds market Katie Waissel, but there is more than a strong case that he will survive again.

Louis Walsh still has two acts remaining in the over 28 category and will still be hopeful that Wagner or Mary Byrne win the show.

It is 9/1 that Louis mentors the winning act. See the full X Factor specials market.