Cowell: Axed X Factor contestant Frankie has only himself to blame

X FACTOR boss Simon Cowell said Frankie Cocozza has “blown a wonderful opportunity” after the teenage hopeful was axed from the competition for his drug boasts.

Cowell said the 18-year-old had “no one to blame but himself” after he was booted out of the contest after he apparently talked about using cocaine.

The four X Factor contestants who were dropped in the first live show will now vie to re-enter the competition. Viewers will now be given their say, with details of the vote due to be announced today.

Cocozza’s mentor Gary Barlow said he was “hugely disappointed” that the singer had “thrown away” the opportunity after Cocozza admitted he no longer “deserves” his place in the ITV show.

A show spokeswoman said the teenager was leaving “after breaking competition rules”.

She would not elaborate on which rule had been broken, but it is thought he had been overheard by production staff talking about drug use. However, it is understood there was no police involvement before his departure.

His antics have already prompted an investigation by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom into the series.

The young wannabe has been pictured on a string of nights out since finding fame in the contest. On Sunday’s results show it emerged he had only slept for half an hour on Saturday night.

He made an impact in the early stages when he boasted that the names of some of his many lovers were tattooed on his bottom.

Cocozza said his life had “gone out of control” while taking part in the show. As he left, he apologised to Barlow and fans who had been voting for him.

His father Frank said he was “absolutely heartbroken” for his son.

Frank said: “Neither of us saw this coming. I only spoke to him last night on the phone and he said he was going to really knuckle down.”

Many viewers were astonished that the singer remained in the competition following a below-par performance at the weekend.

Cocozza 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 overstepped 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.”

It is the latest drama to engulf the show this year as the programme struggles to match audiences in previous years.

And it leads to questions about how closely shows bosses are monitoring the contestants who are being groomed for stardom, following his repeated nights out.

Cocozza’s behaviour has led to two investigations by Ofcom into possible breaches of its programme code.