Former X Factor contestant Chico has entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of drink-driving during a court appearance in London.
Court Appearance and Allegations
The singer, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 30 December 2025. The 54-year-old is accused of driving a Vauxhall Astra on 13 December in Chase Way, Southgate, while over the legal alcohol limit.
The court heard that Slimani provided a breath sample containing 40 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. This exceeds the legal limit for driving in England, which is set at 35 microgrammes.
Defence and Bail Conditions
Representing Slimani, defence solicitor Sarah King told the court her client had consumed cough medicine prior to the test. She suggested this could have impacted the accuracy of the reading.
Slimani pleaded not guilty to the single charge. The magistrate granted him bail, and his trial is scheduled for 9 April.
From 'Chico Time' to Court Time
Slimani rose to fame on the 2005 series of the ITV talent show The X Factor, where his charismatic performances took him to the quarter-finals. He later scored a UK number-one single with the novelty hit "It's Chico Time".
His career since has included winning Dancing On Ice and appearances on various other reality TV programmes. In 2018, his family confirmed he had been hospitalised after suffering a stroke.
The defendant, who is married with two children, made a distinctive arrival at court, wearing a black fur coat and a cowboy hat.
