X Factor’s Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho is in the running to win the competition as bookies William Hill dramatically slashed his odds to 10/1.
The Brazillian eccentric has been given a huge leg-up by anti-X Factor fans who have mounted a Facebook campaign urging viewers to vote for him as a mark of revbellion against Simon Cowell.
A spokesperson from Rage Against the X factor told The Sun: “We are fed up with Simon Cowell spoon-feeding us these karaoke pub singers. They are given an unfair advantage against decent young bands who actually can play instruments.”
Similar online campaigns managed to propel rage Against the Machine to the Christmas number one spot last year ahead of X Factor winner Joe Mcelderry.
A spokesperson for William Hill, who originally put Wagner’s odds of winning at 100/1, said: “The X factor version of Marmite is really dividing opinion among fans and judges.
“He is fourth favourite to win the show while also being the second favourite to be booted off. He is proving quite an anomaly and nobody quite knows what will happen each week.”
The news came a day after The Sun reported that Wagner has been within the top three in the votes every week.
Even celebrities have come out in support of the 51-year-old retired PE teacher. Katy Perry, a stand-in judge, described Wagner as “fun” and said: “He’s taking the criticism the judges give him really well. The public are crazy for him.”
And teen star Justin Bieber, who will perform on the show this weekend, criticised Cheryl Cole for being a “little mean” to the hopeful after she blasted him on air.
He added: “I know he’s not the best singer, but the public want him there. The judges should chill out a bit.”
Matt Cardle is still overall favourite to win the talent show at 13/8.
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