Former ‘X Factor’ singer Chico Slimani is in hospital after suffering a stroke, his publicist has confirmed.
The 47-year-old was rushed to hospital earlier this week, after taking ill at his home.
In an official statement, his spokesperson told The Mirror: “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.”
Calling for privacy for Chico and his family, they added: “Chico is now undergoing further tests and further statements will be released shortly.”
Chico is best known for his involvement in the second series of ‘The X Factor’ in 2005, where he made it through to live shows.
Eventually finishing in fifth place, he became known for his novelty appeal, and became the first ever ‘X Factor’ contestant to sing an original track on the show, when he performed ‘It’s Chico Time’.
The song was released a single two months after the series came to an end, toppling Madonna’s ‘Sorry’ from the top of the UK charts. He later released a cover of Boney M’s ‘D.I.S.C.O.’.
Chico went on to release a number of charity singles, including ‘Curvy Coca Cola Body’, profits from which were donated to the eating disorders charity Beat, and a football-themed cover of ‘It’s Chico Time’, which helped the Rainbow Child Foundation.
He later made appearances in Ricky Gervais’ ‘Extras’, playing himself in a fictional ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ house, and took part in the 2012 series of ‘Dancing On Ice’, eventually finishing in third place.