Remember The X Factor legend Chico? Here’s what he’s up to 11 years on
The cheeky wannabe captured the public's heart in 2005 but he has found a new, equally energetic career 11 years on
What time is it? It’s Chico Time!
Who can forget the cheeky X Factor contestant with his infectious catchphrase and holiday camp style singing act.
The Welsh wannabe appeared on the 2005 show and told Simon, “I will thank you when I pick up that Grammy or whatever they are going to give me.”
Then he launched into the worst rendition of Prince’s Kiss ever heard on TV.
Simon collapsed laughing and told him: “Chico, that was just awful.”
But somehow he managed to get through and survive until week 8 in the talent show.
He put his success down to positive mental attitude and said: “Dream it, believe it, work for it, achieve it. In that order.”
So where is now?
The singer – real name Yousseph Slimani – had a number one hit with It’s Chico Time, in 2006 but his next two singles failed to reach the top ten.
In 2010, he revisited his first hit but renamed it It’s England Time, releasing it for the Fifa World Cup in South Africa, with proceeds going to charity.
Two years later he competed Dancing On Ice, replacing Chesney Hawkes who had to withdraw due to an ankle injury, and came third.
Since then he has starred in panto, including Jack and the Beanstalk in Rotherham and Aladdin in Bradford.
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But the bouncy star, 44, has now diverted his considerable energy into talking classes and training instructors for the fitness brand Blockfit.
The 44-year-old takes fitness masterclasses all over the country - to his own songs, naturally.
He said: "We exercise to music sung and performed by yours truly. We've trained 300 instructors in nine months.”
Chico is married to Daniyela Rakic, sister of tennis ace Nenad Zimonjic. They have a daughter named Lalla-Khira, and a son Zacharia.
