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'X Factor' Star Chico Has Had A Stroke

'X Factor' Star Chico Has Had A Stroke

​Chico Slimani, who is known for appearing in the ​X Factor​, has had a stroke at the age of 47

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Chico Slimani, who is known for appearing in the 2005 series of The X Factor, has had a stroke at the age of 47.

According to the Mirror, his family confirmed the news in a statement from his publicist.

They said: "We can confirm that Chico has sadly suffered a stroke. This has been a great shock to Chico, his wife and their two children, also his close friends and family.

"We thank you in advance for giving Chico and the family some privacy at this time.

"Chico is now undergoing further tests and further statements will be released shortly."

PA

Chico - whose real name is Yousseph - followed up his X Factor run with #1 single 'It's Chico TIme' in 2006. The song also appeared on his debut album, Lights, Camera, Action.

In 2008, he also appeared on the reality TV show CelebAir (a show which saw celebs take on the duties of cabin crews and check-in attendants), where he placed third.

As well as a few pantomimes, Chico set up the Rainbow Child Foundation with his wife and has appeared on plenty of TV shows including The Weakest Link, Nevermind The Buzzcocks and Celebrity Juice.

In 2010, 'It's Chico Time' hit airwaves again when it was reworked into 'It's England Time' for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, with proceeds going to charity.

He also appeared on Loose Women with the song earlier this year, tying into the 2018 World cup.

More recently, he made the move into a brand called 'Block Fit', which is described as 'a one-stop shop fitness brand' - combining dance, combat, HIIT and yoga-inspired moves, and meditation.

"It is 4 workouts 1 class, performed to easy to follow blocks of choreography to original music sung by Chico himself," the website explains.

Chico added: "The music business fed my ego, the fitness industry feeds my soul. I am seeing so many transformations now.

"When you get an instructor or a participant walking through the door looking like a closed book and by the time they walk out of the door they would have blossomed into the most gorgeous flower beaming with pride at achieving something that they never thought was possible makes every second, and a minute of blood sweat and cheers worth while.

"I am so happy to be sharing Block Fit with like minded people, and dare I dream, the world one day. Thank you for sharing my dream, and thank you to everybody who's been instrumental in helping me turn my dream into a reality."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film, Health, X-Factor