Gary Barlow admits X Factor is to blame for Frankie disaster

Gary Barlow has revealed that the ‘X Factor’ team may have been behind Frankie Cocozza’s downfall.

Speaking at a press conference today he said: "I don't think any of us here are guilt-free with Frankie... I'm always on the phone. I just hope he's okay.”

[See also: Frankie Cocozza's worst moments]

This year’s ‘X Factor’ head judge then went on to admit that, "we’ve all encouraged Frankie to be bad... I do feel sorry."

18-year-old Frankie Cocozza was unceremoniously booted off the show on Tuesday after allegedly bragging about taking drugs.

Fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos defended Barlow, claiming that Cocozza's mentor was "not a babysitter".

Due to legal reasons, the exact reason why Frankie was axed from the show will never be announced, but it was confirmed it was one of the secretive “golden rules”.

[See also: Take a look at pics of the returning acts]