Former ‘X Factor’ singer Chico Slimani has offered a health update, after being taken to hospital last week when he suffered a stroke.
A representative for the 47-year-old singer has revealed that his stroke was caused by a blood clot on his brain, thanking fans for their support following his health scare.
In a statement posted on Chico’s official Twitter account, they said: “Chico is feeling extremely lucky... and thankful to his fitness that has definitely helped save his life.
“His doctor said his body has recovered so incredibly well, despite having a full blown stroke caused by a cerebral blood clot.
“The doctor has said he can only put it down to his fitness levels and positive mental attitude.”
They added: “Chico is under the wonderful hands and care of the medical team at Barnett hospital and cannot thank the doctors and team enough for the amazing work and speed of treatment and tests.”
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.