Frankie Cocozza has been removed from this year's X Factor after breaching one of the show's 'golden rules'. The 18-year-old, who had survived a sing-off and faced boos from the studio audience, left with immediate effect following his admission that his behaviour off stage had 'over-stepped the rules of the competition'.
In a statement, Cocozza said: 'I'd like to apologise to Gary [Barlow], my fellow contestants and everyone who has voted for me, but, as of today, I will no longer be in The X Factor. My life during the show has gone out of control and my behaviour off stage has over-stepped the rules of the competition. I no longer deserve my place in the show, so I am therefore leaving. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me.'
The exact nature of the rule breach has not been specified, though a show insider hinted at 'pretend rock'n'roll' behaviour, suggesting it could involve drugs, violence, or other misconduct. Cocozza's departure marks the end of a controversial run, during which he cultivated a bad-boy image with stories of sexual conquests and a tattoo of seven names on his bottom.
Despite his antics, Cocozza struggled on stage, delivering poor performances including a rendition of 'I Gotta Feeling' that prompted boos from the audience. Nonetheless, he maintained a fanbase until his exit, which leaves him as a footnote in X Factor history.
