Wednesday, 9 November 2011

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X Factor's Gary Barlow: I'm disappointed Frankie Cocozza's thrown away an opportunity

Bad boy Frankie Cocozza left The X Factor yesterday

Frankie Cocozza formed a close bond with Gary Barlow

Gary Barlow has admitted that he feels let down by Frankie Cocozza, who was kicked off The X Factor for 'breaking competition rules'.

Party mad Frankie, mentored by Take That star Gary, released a statement yesterday admitting he no longer deserved his place in the singing contest because his life had spiralled 'out of control'. 

'Frankie has apologised publicly as well as personally to me and the producers for his actions that lead to him leaving the show,' says Gary, 40, in a statement.

'I'm hugely disappointed that he's thrown away an opportunity like this after working so hard to get here.

'I'm sorry to see him go as we've been through a lot together in such a short time.'

Frankie had allegedly been boasting about taking cocaine backstage and is said to have tearfully confessed to producers about his drug use .

But Gary vows that despite Frankie's mistakes, he'll stick by the 18-year-old Brighton boy.

'I hope Frankie continues to look to me as a friend and supporter and works it all out, picks himself up and somehow tries to
turn this into a positive,' he says.

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Esme Riley