POP star Chico has been taken to hospital after suffering a major stroke.

The singer, 47, is best known for his hit song It’s Chico Time.

He appeared on ITV talent show The X Factor in 2005.

The father of two, born Yousseph Slimai, remains under the care of doctors and is undergoing further tests.

A statement on behalf of the pop star 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.

“Thank you in advance for giving Chico and the family some privacy at this time.

“Further statements will be released shortly.”

Chico married Daniyela Rakic in 2008 and they have two children, Lalla-Kira and Zacharia

Chico has strong roots in Sussex, having spent his teenage years in Crawley being raised by his father.

He is scheduled to perform as Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk pantomime at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings this winter.

A statement from White Rock said it was in no position to comment as it had only just heard the news and was unable to say what would happen to the pantomime.