That screaming you just heard was the sound of a nation's pubescent girls reacting to the astonishing news that Frankie Cocozza has been booted off X Factor by the show’s producers.

18-year-old Frankie, best known for tattooing his arse with the names of girls he’d had sex with, will no longer be taking part in the show after he apparently broke a golden rule. Dirty boy!

Here's the official statement, hot off the email we just got sent:

Frankie Cocozza says: “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.”

An announcement about Saturday's show will be made tomorrow (Wed).

WHAT DID HE DO!?

Your suggestions, allegations and disturbed fantasies welcome until the official reason arrives/is leaked/makes the evening news.

UPDATE! A statement from Gary Barlow:

"Frankie has apologised publicly as well as personally to me and the producers for his actions that lead to him leaving the show. I'm hugely disappointed that he's thrown away an opportunity like this after working so hard to get here. I'm sorry to see him go as we've been through a lot together in such a short time. I hope Frankie continues to look to me as a friend and supporter and works it all out, picks himself up and somehow tries to turn this into a positive."

BUT WHAT'S HE DO... oh never mind. We've heard the rumours now. Zzz. What a twat. etc.