X Factor legend Wagner is unrecognisable 16 years on from his X Factor stint

X Factor may have produced global icons such as One Direction and Little Mix during its 14 years on air, but it's also responsible for some pretty iconic moments in British reality TV history.

And top of that list is Wagner, the retired Brazilian PE teacher who made history by being the oldest contestant to make it to the live finals at the age of 53.

Competing on the same series as One Direction in 2010, Wagner, full name Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho, made it to the semi-finals before being booted off by the judges, a pretty impressive feat for a guy referred to as the show's 'novelty act'.

So where is he now?

Like all mid-tier celebrities and reality stars from decades past, the 69-year-old is now on social media and offering to make custom videos for loyal fans.

The former teacher and singer is particularly active on Instagram, where he regularly shares videos of himself speaking to the camera, as well as hanging out in the gym and appearing in underground wrestling events.

He's also available to record personalised messages, charging £9.99 for a video to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and even a get-well-soon. You can also get a more unique video if you've got a spare £24.98 lying around.

And if you're really willing to splash the cash, you can book Wagner for an event or business meeting, costing £100 for 30 minutes.

Outside of his social media work, Wagner previously revealed that he'd moved back to Brazil to set up a hair transplant company in 2023, citing his own barnet as proof that his services would work.

"I love it here but I am going to Brazil to start a hair transplant business," he told The Mirror at the time.

"I’m living proof that hair transplants work. I had mine eight years ago and I haven’t lost anything. I lose more from the beard than my head."

As of the time of writing, it's not currently clear if Wagner still runs the business, with recent social media postings implying that he's living back in the UK.

He's also a father since leaving X Factor, welcoming two children with partner Lydia, who is 36 years his junior.

Why was Wagner controversial on X Factor?

Wagner's role as the show's 'novelty' contestant was not without controversy, after his fans were accused of attempting to 'derail' the show by Simon Cowell.

"There were people out there trying to derail this show," Cowell said at the time, suggesting that viewers were voting for Wagner to stay in order for him to be the show's unlikely winner.

"We've put this show back in the hands of the public."