Former X Factor star Chico pleads not guilty to drink-driving during court appearance
Former X Factor contestant Chico appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to drunk driving.
Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, appeared on the TV talent show series in 2005 and later released the number-one single “It’s Chico Time”.
The 54-year-old man is accused of drink driving in Chase Way, Southgate, on December 13.
Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday that Slimani, from north London, was accused of driving a Vauxhall Astra with 40 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath.
The legal alcohol limit for driving in the UK is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres.
Sarah King, defending, told the court the defendant, who was wearing a black fur coat and cowboy hat, had consumed cough medicine before taking the measurement, which could have affected accuracy.
Slimani pleaded not guilty and was released on bail until his hearing on April 9.
The singer became a TV icon after participating in the reality singing competition in 2005, thanks to her playful attitude and energetic performances.
Slimani, who was born in Bridgend, Wales, but spent most of his childhood in Morocco, reached the quarter-finals of that year’s competition, which Shayne Ward ultimately won.
“It’s Chico Time” remains his biggest success as a recording artist and also reached number one in Scotland and number 3 in Ireland. She was the first X Factor runner-up to reach number one for the first time.
He went on to appear in a number of reality shows, among them. Dancing On Ice, where he came first. He has also appeared in a number of celebrity special events such as a stunt show. Total Deletion, and contributes to many different aid projects.
In 2018, it was confirmed that Slimani was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
Speaking at the time, his family said: “We can confirm that Chico has unfortunately suffered a stroke. This has come as a huge shock to Chico, his wife and two children, as well as close friends and family. “Thank you in advance for allowing Chico and his family some privacy at this time.
“Chico is currently undergoing further testing and further announcements will be made shortly.”
Chico married Daniyela Rakic in 2008. The couple has two children named Lalla-Kira and Zacharia.
