'X Factor' star Wagner 'has benefit claim reassessed'
Wildcard 'X Factor' contestant Wagner Carrilho is understood to be having his incapacity benefit claim reassessed after his flamboyant performances on the hit talent show.
The long-haired Brazilian told producers of the ITV programme he was receiving the payments before he signed up.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said today: “We do not discuss individuals but we do reassess people regularly.
“Anyone who claims can be called in for an assessment if we feel circumstances have changed.”
A source said it was likely that the controversial singer’s claim would be looked at again in light of his on-stage antics.
But a spokeswoman for the programme said Carrilho had declared everything and had done nothing wrong.
She said: “Wagner declared to us that he was receiving benefits before he joined the show.
“We advised him to contact the benefits office regarding his taking part in 'X Factor', which he did. He was deemed physically fit to take part in the show.”
'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell has described the former PE teacher’s act as “the most bonkers ... I’ve seen in my life”.
Fellow judge Louis Walsh said of him: “He may not be the best singer, but he is the most entertaining.”
