Wagner leaves The X factor

Last night Wagner left The X Factor after the judges voted to save Mary … Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

But only after two of his best performances: Addicted To Love (with customary female dance troupe) … Photograph: Ken McKay/Ken McKay/Rex Features

And Radiohead's Creep (without). Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

When Wagner auditioned for The X Factor, few would have imagined him progressing so far.
Photograph: Rex Features/Ken McKay

But via a number of astonishing song and dance routines, Wagner found himself embraced by viewers. Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

From the moment he took to the congas and launched into his Love Shack rendition, Wagner became essential viewing.
Photograph: Rex Features/ Ken McKay

In a dazzling array of ill-advised costumes … Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

Via a series of all-singing, all-dancing medleys … Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

Wagner stayed in the competition - and seemed unstoppable.
Photograph: Rex Features

How could viewers resist his rendition of I'm Still Standing – in a sequinned tailcoat! – for instance? Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

Or his super-kitsch take on Elvis that left the judges (and viewers) astonished? Photograph: Rex Features

Wagner was for a short time The X Factor's greatest star. But now like A Bat Out of Hell, he's gone. Gone. Gone … Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features