X Factor’s Chico in hospital after suffering a stroke at 47
X FACTOR star Chico is in hospital after suffering a stroke at 47.
The singer is now undergoing further tests and remains under the care of doctors.
A representative for the star said in a statement: "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."
Chico is married to Daniyela, 44, sister of tennis ace Nenad Zimonjic, and they are parents to two daughters Lalla-Khira and Zacharia.
The pop star, whose full name is Chico Slimani, shot to fame on The X Factor in 2005 and came in fifth.
He went on to score a chart hit with his track It’s Chico Time.
However, the follow-up - a cover of classic track D.I.S.C.O. - failed to make the top 20 and his showbiz career fizzled out.
Chico went on to work in panto and performed at holiday camps all over the country before bouncing back into music by releasing his debut album, Lights, Camera, Action, in 2009.
The singer was given another boost in 2012 when he was signed up as a contestant for Dancing On Ice after Chesney Hawkes withdrew due to an injury.
Chico came third in the show.
As well as being involved in music, Chico has also dabbled in acting over the years and starred in a BAFTA-nominated short film called Winner Takes All in 2004.
He also appeared in boxing movie 45 in 2009.
His other projects have included teaching classes and training instructors for the fitness brand Blockfit.
Blood flow cut to brain
A STROKE is when the blood flow to the brain is damaged — usually by a clot, less often by a haemorrhage.
It can often be spotted because parts of the brain that control movement stop receiving a full blood supply.
Strokes in the under-60s are not that rare and younger people can — and do — suffer them.
The highest risk groups are those with high blood pressure, drinkers or smokers.
- By Carol Cooper, Sun Doctor
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