Gary Barlow says he feels responsible for Frankie Cocozza?s exit

Cocozza, 18, was recently booted off the UK talent show after he broke a “golden rule” of the competition, which reportedly relates to drug use.

Speaking at a press conference with his fellow judges in London ahead of the next show – when a former act will reportedly return to replace Cocozza – Barlow said: 'I do feel a level of responsibility towards him, but unfortunately I can't follow him around all week.

'We try and take care of them while they are in our company. I said to him on a regular basis, 'You are a young guy, have fun, but work hard at the same time'.

'We have all played our part in what has happened with Frankie and I don't think any of us are guilt-free in that [sic]. Especially as I am sat here with all of the press, we have all encouraged Frankie not only to be good, but to be bad as well.”

He added: 'We have enjoyed it and written about it, the show has enjoyed the publicity about it, but it has gone too far out of control for us as a show to have him still on here [sic]. But I do feel a level of responsibility.'