X Factor singing sensations Liam Payne and Treyc Cohen today defended fellow Midlands contender Wagner Carilho, saying the flamboyant Brazilian brings the fun element to the show.

The 54-year-old has sustained support from fans across the country since week one – but has recently come under fire from eliminated contestants who feel it is unfair he is still in the competition over more talented singers.

Last week, the former Dudley PE teacher was noticeably booed by the studio audience after he survived the chop for another week.

But Liam and Treyc said he had a right to still be in the contest as much as anyone else – because he is a born entertainer – and makes people smile.

“I think everyone deserves their place in their own little way in X Factor because it is not just a singing competition, otherwise it would be called something else,” said Liam.

The 17-year-old from Bushbury went on: “I think Wagner has a certain level of the X Factor.

“He brings different things to the show. Everyone has got a guilty pleasure for Wagner as well.

“It is not for any of us to decide whether Wagner should be here or not. He is here, and he is here for a reason. He’s doing his job – and the public like him, so fair play to the guy.”

And the teen heartthrob rubbished reports that the old crooner had been in a scrap with fellow bandmate Harry Styles.

“There is no truth in that whatsoever. We all get on with Wagner. Sometimes he is difficult to get along with, but there are never any fights or anything.

“They were just play-fighting. It was just a little joke. It was a photo-shoot. Wagner was jumping in front of the camera and Harry was just dragging him away back to where he was supposed to be for a laugh. It wasn’t a fight or anything.”

Asked if there was any truth in the rumours of him being linked with X Factor rapper Cher Lloyd, he replied: “No, not at all. There are a lot of stories going around about Cher at the moment.

“She is a really lovely girl, a lovely person, and I know her as a friend, but no, nothing like that is going on.”

Tonight’s theme is American anthems – and the One Direction frontman revealed the group initially had reservations about the song mentor Simon Cowell had chosen for them.

“At first we were a little unsure of the song choice, but all took Simon’s word for it, and we are all excited about it now that we’ve heard the track and the way it is all going to be set and the production of it.

“It is different to what we have usually done – it is going to be a lot bigger than usual – so hopefully it will have a big impact on people at home.

“The ankle is a lot better. I have been using the ice and support. It has really improved. I can walk now, slowly. It’s not fully recovered yet, but it’s close to it.”

While Liam has been taking it easy to speed up his recovery, Tamworth’s Treyc is still on cloud nine after seeing one of her favourite singers – Wolverhampton soul diva Beverly Knight.

But she was too star-struck to approach her.

The Tamworth contestant admired the artist from afar at the Cosmopolitan Awards this week.

“It was amazing. I couldn’t believe I was there amongst the stars. It was brilliant,” she enthused.

“The weird thing was that they were more bothered about us, which was really strange.

“I saw Beverley Knight – and I absolutely love her. But I was too scared to go over.

“She is a fantastic artist. She is from the West Midlands. I am a big fan of hers.”

She too defended Wagner, describing him as a “great” character who deserves to be in the show.

“It’s a TV programme and people want to be entertained,” she said.

“You might have been at work or had a bad day, you come home and you put X Factor on and you see Wagner and he just makes you smile.

“We are all here for the same thing and he works just as hard as everyone else, week-in, week-out.”

Asked if she agreed with commentators that she is failing to get the same attention that her fellow girl contestants are getting from mentor Cheryl Cole, she replied: “I am happy with absolutely everything. If I wasn’t I would speak up. I am 27-years-old, and I have a voice and opinion.

“Every Saturday night I go out and perform to the best of my ability. I am confident with what I am wearing and with what I am singing. I’m a happy bunny.

“I know who I am. The fact that I am a varied artist and can sing different types of songs, I think is a positive thing. I think it is important that you can reach a wide audience.”

The University of Wolverhampton student added: “Tonight’s song is from an epic movie. It is a really good song that most people love, and so hopefully it should go down well.

“The throat is coming on. It is almost there. I am not too worried about it anymore. I’m just trying to enjoy the experience.”