X Factor star Chico is recovering well after suffering a sudden stroke.
The 47-year-old singer took part in the show in 2005 and is still one of the series’ most well known acts more than a decade on.
He was rushed to hospital earlier this week after falling ill when driving home from a gig.
A spokesperson for the singer said he was now on the mend.
“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,” they said. “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.”
Following his appearance on the The X Factor, Chico went to Number 1 with his original song It’s Chico Time while follow up track D.I.S.C.O. made it to Number 24.
Chico went on to release a number of singles, including It’s England Time for the 2010 World Cup.
After X Factor, Chico also took part in a number of other reality TV shows such as CelebAir and Dancing On Ice.
He previously said he’d love to return to the latter, which recently made a comeback to TV.
Chico said: “I’d jump at the chance. I would love to be part of it again. It’s just an incredible show and you know it’s just a wonderful show to be part of and to learn to be able to skate at that level in just a short space of time is just, wow, incredible.”
And in 2013 – celebrating a decade of The X Factor – he declared: “Being on the show meant absolutely everything to me. It changed my life and my family’s and, without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Hitting back at his ‘novelty act’ tag, Chico told the BBC: “From the year I was on people I know are still gigging and starring in West End plays. I had a number one with Chico Time, appeared in Dancing on Ice and have made my own fitness DVD. I’m the one having the last laugh.”
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