X Factor's resident bad boy Frankie Cocozza has been given the boot by exasperated producers.
The tousled-haired headline-grabber has been the target of paparazzi this week as he continues his partying, and has now broken a "golden rule", according to The Sun.
The 18-year-old was axed from the show this morning, despite an improvement in his show fortunes. The previous week, following an abysmal performance, he was placed in the bottom two. The confident teenager had reportedly informed his mentor Gary Barlow that he would quit if this happened again.
In a statement, the X Factor told Digital Spy: "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."
Cocozza has now issued an apology, he said: "I'd like to apologise to Gary, my fellow contestants and everyone who has voted for me, but, as of today (Tuesday), 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."
UPDATE: Gary Barlow has also released a statement. Wishing Frankie luck for the future, he said:
"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."
Despite his narrow success each week, Cocozza has continued to party, and producers have been forced to expedite their "golden rule" policy, which last year included a ban on the use of alcohol, drugs and sex within the X Factor house.
SLIDESHOW: In honour of Frankie's time on the X Factor, we take a look at his time in the spotlight. From cute child performer, to ladies' man and rockstar hopeful...