Gary Barlow on Frankie Cocozza’s exit from X Factor

Following this afternoon’s shock announcement that Frankie Cocozza has been asked to leave the X Factor for his bad behaviour, his mentor, Take That star Gary Barlow, has released an official statement.

"Frankie has apologised publicly as well as personally to me and the producers for his actions that lead to him leaving the show,” said Gary. “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.

“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 added.

Producers are expected to make a statement about this weekend’s shows tomorrow.