Frankie and his hairdresser: photo via Twitter @FrankieCocozza
The out-of-control 18-year-old shocked staff at the show as he gloated about his use of the Class A drug. The shocking news was then passed on to senior show executives — who told the bed-hopping teen to pack his bags.
It is even claimed that Frankie snorted the drug ahead of his poor performance on Saturday’s show — which left many viewers baffled as to how he survived the chop the following night.
X Factor chiefs felt the revelations left them with no choice but to kick Frankie out — as the scandal could damage the show’s family-friendly reputation.
The dramatic exit has thrown the show into turmoil ahead of this weekend’s shows — as crisis talks take place over whether to replace hellraiser Frankie with one of the show’s rejects.
Last night the teen from Brighton, England admitted his life had spun out of control after his walk of shame from the X Factor house.
Frankie begged both his fans and his show mentor Gary Barlow (40) to forgive him. He said: “I’d like to apologise to Gary, 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.”
During the show, Frankie — who admitted he only entered the show to score with as many women as possible — was never far from scandal thanks to his boozy nights out, sex-crazed behaviour and foul-mouthed rants.
Even after his disappointing performance on Saturday’s show, the randy wannabe rocker headed to a wild house party with three girls. Take That hunk Gary had repeatedly warned Frankie to tone down his X-rated behaviour — but his pleas fell on deaf ears. Gary warned him: “Every time I open a newspaper and it’s got your name in I think: ‘There’s a load of votes gone.’”
Last night the songwriter spoke of his disappointment at how events turned out. He said: “Frankie has apologised publicly as well as personally to me and the producers for his actions that led to him leaving the show. I’m hugely disappointed he’s thrown away this opportunity after working so hard to get here. I hope Frankie continues to look to me as a friend and supporter and works it out, picks himself up and tries to turn this into a positive.”
Frankie’s father Frank added: “I’m absolutely heartbroken for Frankie. He will be devastated. “I only spoke to him last night on the phone and he said he was going to really knuckle down.”
An X Factor spokesman said: “Frankie is leaving the show after breaking competition rules. He is going to take some time out before continuing his career as a singer. We wish him all the best.”