'X Factor' phone vote to close during Saturday's show

A four-way phone vote for the act to replace Frankie Cocozza on The X Factor will open this afternoon (November 10).



At a London press conference, it was confirmed that the poll between Amelia Lily, Jonjo Kerr, James Michael and 2 Shoes will open at 4pm today and close during Saturday's live show.

22p from each phone vote will be donated to Help For Heroes, which works to provide better facilities for wounded British servicemen and women.

Head judge Gary Barlow 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.

"I can't follow Frankie around all week... we've all encouraged Frankie to be bad... I do feel sorry."

Cocozza was axed from the show on Tuesday amid rumours that he had bragged about taking cocaine.

Barlow added: "Frankie was silly. But I'm a parent. He's got to live with this forever, so I feel guilty about that."

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

During the conference, Barlow explained that legal reasons prevent the panel from revealing which 'golden rule' Cocozza had broken, while Walsh explained that it was a "lack of professionalism".

Walsh, who had frequently been critical of Cocozza's live show performances, added: "It's a pity. I loved Frankie's first audition."

Judge Kelly Rowland, who eliminated Lily in week one, said: "It's really good that these acts get a second go... we have bonded with these acts."

Of the suggestion that the wildcards have an "unfair" advantage over the acts already in the competition, Rowland added: "Everyone has to come out swinging. It should bring everyone up a notch."