Wagner's farewell from X Factor ends derail bid

Is the X Factor farce really over or has it only just begun, asks Tracey O'Sullivan.

The most controversial candidates probably to have ever graced the X-factor stage exited it together last night in what most will probably see as a stunning double eviction.

But as Katie Waissel and Wagner bid their fond farewells and Simon Cowell proclaimed from his judging throne that the show had finally been given back to the people there was that niggling doubt - had they ever really had it in the first place?

He was referring to an internet campaign to take Wagner to the final and derail the show which had failed.

He certainly looked smug about it all and not remotely uncomfortable at the thought it would go any other way.

Something tells me this little scenario has played out just as Cowell intended. In fact the man couldn't have planned it better himself . Oh there's a thought.

It seems to be the people everyone loves to talk about have stayed in long enough to keep everyone gossiping about the show and therefore get addicted just as the serious business of making a pop star starts in earnest.

Leaks this week suggested Wagner going all the way was exactly what Cowell wanted amid claims that television ratings make him more money than the actual recording contract he offers up at the end.

Cue the moment when that proportion of the population who have been trying to send a message to the media mogul drop off and Wagner finds himself in the bottom two and all perfectly timed to make the most of the ratings and his new singing protégé to be chosen in the next couple of weeks. And where do these leaks come from? I wonder.

Could this man really be the master manipulator of hearts and minds? I've often thought it must have been an unwritten rule for Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan to put through a few absolutely terrible acts in Britain's Got Talent. They certainly do while Simon looks on in disgust.

Yet everyone knows, including Simon, that the live finals are no fun without the odd red cross buzzer going off and all the better if one or two acts prompt three in a row. It's just I doubt he wants to be seen as the one to pick or back them.

The reality talent show is entertainment at its best but just look at Ann Widdecombe on Strictly Come Dancing to see it's nowhere near as appealing unless there is a joker in the pack and for as long as possible.

Well, Wagner may have gone but I hope Widdy lifts the Strictly crown because one of these amiable jesters deserves something back after being the source of everyone's humour for weeks on end.

With her amusing Titanic routine and great look on Saturday (yes I did think she looked fantastic on Saturday) this was one week when she deserved to stay ahead of Patsy Kensit who was voted off.

It's payback time for the Widdys of the world.