Sunday, November 13, 2011 4:30am ET by  
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Gary Barlow says Frankie Cocozza is "in a good place" after leaving The X Factor

Gary Barlow has confirmed that Frankie Cocozza is now "in a good place" following his untimely departure from The X Factor last week. 

The Take That hitmaker was acting as the young singer's mentor on the show and was shocked when he left the contest on Tuesday, November 8.

Speaking to Olly Murs and Caroline Flack on The Xtra Factor last night, Barlow explained that he's sympathetic towards him but thinks he is dealing with the situation well:

"As a show and a mentor, we've all felt responsible for him this week. It was his choice to leave the competition. We all stood by him."

"I spoke to him this afternoon. He was in a good place this afternoon. I feel sorry for him. Whenever I saw Frankie, he always said, 'I don't deserve to be here'. So when I got the call, I wasn't surprised. He was a great contestant. He got us all talking. We'll miss him here." 

Watch Barlow talk about Cocozza's departure during The X Factor's recent press conference, and an Xtra Factor exclusive interview with Cocozza which premiered yesterday (November 12):