We’re still in shock from the news that Frankie Cocozza has left The X Factor after breaking a “golden rule”, but according to our sources the rest of the X Factor contestants aren’t surprised at all.

Our insider tells us that the other X Factor acts viewed Frankie as “a ticking time bomb”, and it was only a matter of time before he would explode. Our source also goes on to reveal that Frankie was encouraged to play up to his wild image and was permitted to party more than the other singers in the X Factor house. We’re guessing he got up to something very naughty indeed if it resulted in him no longer “deserving” his place on the show.

We’ve also been told that Frankie will be staying in London tonight (watch out ladies in The Roxy), and he is so devastated about leaving The X Factor he’s ignoring all his phone calls.

We’ll keep you up to date with any developments

Official statements

If you haven’t already seen the official statements from Frankie and an X Factor spokesperson, here they are in full…

“I’d like to apologise to Gary, my fellow contestants and everyone who has voted for me, but, as of today (TUES), 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.”

An X Factor spokesperson said: “Frankie is leaving the show today 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 for his future.”