X Factor judge Simon Cowell has been spotted visiting axed ‘Diva Fever’ star Craig Saggers fuelling rumours he could return to the hit show as a ‘wildcard’ re-entry.
Simon, 50, and his fellow judges have come under fierce criticism after they axed popular acts on Sunday night’s show instead of their personal favourites.
But Simon was photographed visiting Diva Fever’s Craig Saggers, 21, at his home in Longthorpe, Peterborough, on Saturday night complete with Rolls Royce and film-crew in tow.
The sighting has raised expectations that all four judges could choose one star to bring back as a wildcard – with X Factor sources promising a ”big twist” on next Saturday’s show.
Cowell’s Rolls Royce was spotted pulling up outside Craig’s home by Carl Garfield, 37, from Peterborough as he cycled past on Saturday evening.
He said: ”There were a few neighbours milling around who told me it was Simon Cowell so I stayed to get some pictures of him.
”The only reason I stopped was because I thought it was strange to see a Rolls Royce on Thorpe Road.”
Diva Fever performed a version of Girls Aloud’s ‘Love Machine’ at the judge’s house and student Craig told the cameras it was the group’s ”moment”.
He said: ”We love what we do and we want to enjoy what we do and it might seem that we are not serious but we are and we love to sing and we love to perform.
”We don’t want to do what we are doing at the moment. I’m at university but I’m not academic, I don’t want to sit and read books for the rest of my life. This is our moment.”
But on Sunday evening Simon delivered the crushing news that duo Craig and Joe Al-Smadi, 26, had not made it into the finals.
He said: ”At the end of these couple of days I genuinely got to like you more. You made everyone feel good and you stuck out.
”But it’s bad news. You are going home. I’m sorry.”
However, Cowell’s Rolls Royce was seen pulling up outside the home of Diva Fever’s Craig at 6.30pm on Saturday night.
Because the hit show is pre-recorded the visit is believed to relate to next Saturday’s show – where Cowell is expected to invite Diva Fever to return.
A senior X Factor show source told the Daily Star on Sunday that wild cards would be returning in next weekends show.
He said: ”Simon had been thinking about playing wild cards for a while and this year he decided to do it.
”The ‘final’ 12 acts chosen tonight will think they are the only ones slugging it out to win because that’s how it has always been.
”But there is a massive surprise in store. On the first live show next Saturday, all 20 of the singers and bands who didn’t make it through will come back on the show.
”And on the night, the four judges will get the chance to choose one act each to include in their category – effectively throwing some of the losers a lifeline to be on the show and ultimately win.”
Dancing group F.Y.D. were chosen to go through to the live finals along with two groups made of soloists at boot camp, girl group Bell Amie and boy band One Direction.
Cheryl Cole caused outrage when Gamu Nhengu, 18, was axed after a faultless performance but Cher Lloyd, 17, and Katie Waissel, 24, both went through after breaking down.
icant believe DIVA FEVER are coming back in omg im so ECITED CANT WAIT
DIVA FEVER, LOVE YOU, ESPECIALLY JOSEPH;) !