Xtra Factor presenter Olly Murs believes that Frankie Cocozza should be allowed back on The X Factor for this weekend’s final.
The singer said it would be “a shame” if the axed hopeful, who left following drug allegations, wasn’t back on stage. Anyone who had placed an X Factor bet on him will know the controversy that surrounded him.
Frankie was cut from the X Factor charity single after reportedly boasting about taking cocaine, but Olly believes he should be allowed back at the weekend, when all the other acts return.
“It would be a shame not to see him back. Obviously, with the charity single I can fully understand the reasons behind that – with why he left the show, I can understand,” the presenter said.
However, he added as it’s “the last night, the final … we’d like to see Frankie here”.
Olly said that you have to be able to take account of the positives, such as the fact that Frankie “did make a massive impact on the show”.
Presumably Olly wasn’t alluding to the fact that his inability to sing made him the subject of Twitter abuse and social media rants.
The singer also revealed that media mogul Simon Cowell, the show’s creator, is pleased with how the programme is going this year. Those looking at the X Factor winner odds should bear this in mind.
Despite numerous reports to the contrary – particularly as The X Factor has netted fewer viewers than rival Strictly Come Dancing – Olly claimed Simon loves the show this year.
The Thinking Of Me hitmaker said: “The X Factor has been brilliant and he can’t fault it, he says it’s been fantastic, so that’s good to know.”
ITV bosses seem to agree, with chief exec Adam Crozier ruling out making drastic changes to the show format next year, even though it has been losing viewers.
“I think the new judges have done a fantastic job and are important to the future of the show,” he said.
But with Gary and Kelly not expected to return next year, it could get an overhaul anyway.
