Wagner, the X Factor's oldest finalist, has surprised fans with a transformed appearance in a new video shared on Fubar Radio. The retired PE teacher from Brazil, now 69, is seen with a silver beard, long locks, tattoos and bulging biceps.
A fan favourite from 2010
Wagner became an instant hit with X Factor viewers in 2010 when, aged 53, he became the ITV reality show's oldest finalist during its seventh series. He competed alongside Cher Lloyd, Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction, making it to the quarter finals with his trademark moustache and long hair.
Three years ago, the star moved from Birmingham back to Brazil, where he set up a hair transplant business. Speaking about the move at the time, he told the Mirror: "I love it here but I am going to Brazil to start a hair transplant business."
Hair transplant success
Wagner credited his own hair transplant, which he had eight years earlier, as proof that the procedure works. "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," he said.
He also spoke about his wife, who is 36 years his junior, saying: "Once I die, [his wife] Lydia will communicate with the manager and I can die in peace now."
Return to the UK
In the new video, Wagner reveals he has sold his hair transplant business and moved back to the UK, arriving in December after admitting he "couldn't stand" living in Brazil. Speaking to host Andrew White, he reflected on his X Factor success, saying it could "never happen again" because "there were only five channels, everybody was gathering around the TV. There was no Facebook, no social media invasion... and that's why it could never happen again."
