Chico Slimani’s stroke was caused by a massive blood clot that ended up in his brain – and it could well have killed him, doctors have warned.
The former X Factor star, real name Yousseph Slimani, was rushed to hospital on Friday after falling ill following a fitness class he was leading.
His worried wife Daniyela and two children Lalla-Khira and Zacharia were left terrified for his health.
But his team has confirmed Chico is responding well to treatment and, although he remains in hospital, is now stable.
In a tweet his rep said: "An update on Chico: Chico is resting and recovering very well whilst undergoing further tests but thanks everyone for the incredible supportive messages, he’s overwhelmed."
The spokesperson added: "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."
They went on: "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."
It’s believed the singer fell ill while teaching one of his Block Fit classes, but thought he was just suffering from a virus.
It was only when his worried family urged him to seek help that Chico discovered he’d actually had a stroke.
Chico rose to fame on The X Factor 2005, where he came fifth.
He then scored a chart hit with It’s Chico Time. He also came third in the Dancing On Ice 2012 final.
His music career fizzled out and he had to rely on pantos and holiday camp gigs to pay his bills.
Speaking to The Sun about his downfall before Dancing On Ice, he said: "My faith was tested to the full. Times were bad.
"In October last year I had just £3.70 left in my pocket — with a family, a mortgage and all my credit cards maxed out.
"I went out for milk and bread, and when I walked past a beggar I just decided to give him it all.
"My wife went crazy when I came back without anything. She was shouting, ‘I’m sick of your PMA — it doesn’t pay the bills and we owe £2,000 on the mortgage."
Speaking about his time on X Factor he admitted: "I created a character. Yousseph is the man in me.
"Chico is the child — the caricature. For 90 per cent of the time I have PMA — a Positive Mental Attitude.
"But I’m a dad. I’m married. So of course some days I can get out of the wrong side of bed."
Chico is now thought to be recovering in Barnett Hospital.
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