Former 'X Factor' star Chico has suffered a stroke.

Chico on Dancing on Ice

Chico on Dancing on Ice

The 47-year-old singer - who starred on the ITV show in 2005 - fell ill while returning from a gig and is currently undergoing further tests after being rushed to hospital.

A spokesperson for Chico - who has a 44-year-old wife called Daniyela, and kids Lalla-Khira and Zacharia - said: "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."

The singer - whose full name is Chico Slimani - became a nationwide star thanks to his appearances on 'The X Factor'.

In 2006, he reached the top of the British charts with the track 'It's Chico Time', which was inspired by the phrase that become synonymous with his time on the show.

Since then, the singer has starred on the reality TV show 'CelebAir', achieving a third-placed finish in 2008, and in the boxing movie '45' in 2009.

Chico returned to ITV in 2012, when he participated in the seventh series of 'Dancing on Ice', in which he also finished in third place.