Chico: Former X-Factor star denies drink-driving in court appearance as trial date set
By David George
30th Dec 2025, 2:16pm
Former X-Factor star Chico has pleaded not guilty to drink-driving in court.
Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, appeared in the 2005 series of the TV talent show and later released a number one single, It’s Chico Time.
The 54-year-old is accused of drink-driving in Chase Way, Southgate, on December 13.
Slimani, of north London, is accused of driving a Vauxhall Astra with 40mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.
The legal limit of alcohol for driving in England is 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres.
The defendant had consumed cough medicine before he gave the reading, which can impact the accuracy, Sarah King, defending, said.
Slimani pleaded not guilty and was granted bail until his trial on April 9.