Former ‘X Factor’ contestant Chico is recovering "incredibly well" following the stroke he suffered last week.
The 47-year-old singer – who starred on Simon Cowell’s ITV talent show in 2005 – fell ill whilst driving home from a gig due to a blood clot on his brain but he is doing well as he recuperates at Barnett Hospital in London and his healthy lifestyle has aided his recovery.
A statement released by Chico’s representative read: "Chico is feeling extremely lucky and feeling grateful for leading such a healthy lifestyle 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. 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 – full name Chico Slimani – shot to fame on ‘The X Factor’ with his colourful performances, most memorably when he sang his own track ‘It’s Chico Time’.
He eventually finished fifth in the competition and went on to score a UK Number One hit with his own song – which he co-wrote with Mark Hudson.
Chico is married to 44-year-old Daniyela, and the couple have two kids, Lalla-Khira and Zacharia.
Since then, the singer has starred on the reality TV show ‘CelebAir’, achieving a third-placed finish in 2008, and in the boxing movie ’45’ in 2009.
Chico returned to ITV in 2012, when he participated in the seventh series of ‘Dancing on Ice’, in which he finished third.
Chico’s fitness saves him from stroke
