X Factor star Frankie Cocozza has been left devastated after his best friend was killed during a fight.
Frankie was due to appear at a club in Cardiff at the weekend when he heard the tragic news, and had to cancel the gig and rush back to his hometown of Brighton.
“Frankie’s on his way home, Frankie’s dad, Frank Sr said. “He’s absolutely devastated.They were very close, Connor was his best friend.”
The singer took to Twitter soon after hearing the tragic news, saying: “My life will never be the same.”
Connor Saunders was rushed to hospital after being knocked unconscious by a punch to the head in Rottingdean, East Sussex on Saturday night. Medics rushed to the scene but were unable to save the young plasterer’s life.
Best friends
In a previous interview, Frankie had revealed the extent of the pair’s friendship – explaining that he was one of his biggest supporters.
Speaking of his closest group of friends, Frankie said: “They go everywhere with me and it's great because we all pile into the back of a people carrier and have a proper laugh on the road.
“I've got to give them a shout out because they're quality – Joe Hanson, Olly Mac, Sam Osguthorpe, Callum and Connor Saunders and Sam Sutton.”
Frankie’s audition for The X Factor
It was Connor who revealed Frankie's mum paid him to audition for The X Factor, which pushed him into the spotlight.
“His mum said she'd give him money if he auditioned so he did. I think it was £50,” Connor said at the time.