The family of X Factor contestant Chico believe he has what it takes to win the television show and make it to the big time.

Chico Slimani, 34, narrowly missed eviction at the beginning of the television finals but the tide is turning as his popularity has grown, particularly among the ladies.

The entertainer, already known for his catchphrase "It's Chico time", moved from Morocco to Crawley when he was 14.

His sister Fabah Slimani, 35, of Pound Hill, Crawley, is desperately looking for a baby-sitter so she can go along to this Saturday's round in a show of family support.

The mother-of-two said he was always the clown of the family and everybody is backing him and are very proud of his success so far.

She said: "We're all extremely proud of him and I think it's absolutely amazing.

"He's not one of the best singers but he's the greatest entertainer there.

"He's got the potential to make it. He's doing great and he's definitely got the X factor.

"My family has always known what an entertainer he was since he was a child. He's always the funny one with the great personality and a big heart."

Last Saturday's performance ensured the former Hazelwick School pupil was not short-listed for the chop by judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.

Instead, viewers witnessed the shock eviction of Maria Lawson, who had been tipped to win.

Bookies Ladbrokes have now slashed the odds for Chico to win from 100-1 to 25-1.