Former X Factor contestant Chico suffers stroke
- Published
Chico Slimani performing at Proms in the Park in 2006
Former X Factor contestant Chico Slimani has suffered a stroke.
The 47-year-old, who was a popular star on the second series of the show, fell ill on the way back from performing a gig at the weekend.
A statement from his publicist said he was undergoing further tests and asked for privacy for his family.
He reached the quarter-finals of the 2005 series and had a number one in 2006 with It's Chico Time. He also took part in Dancing on Ice in 2012.
He appeared in the Christmas special of Ricky Gervais's 91Èȱ¬ One sitcom Extras in 2007, and also released a fitness DVD.
His publicist Kym Rowlingson said: "This has been a great shock to Chico, his wife and their two children, also his close friends and family.
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"We thank you in advance for giving Chico and the family some privacy at this time."
Speaking in 2013 to mark 10 years of the X Factor Chico told the 91Èȱ¬: "Being on the show meant absolutely everything to me. It changed my life and my family's".
He said he had made a good career and living out of "being a novelty act".
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- Published31 August 2013
