X Factor star Chico Slimani found guilty of drink-driving

Chico Slimani said that he drank whisky for six hours after his friend’s death (Picture: Simon James/WireImage)

Former X Factor contestant Chico has been found guilty of drink-driving after telling a trial that his arrest came hours after he broke his sobriety.

Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, told Willesden Magistrates’ Court that he drank Famous Grouse whisky for six hours after losing a third friend to cancer.

The singer, now 55, reached the quarter finals of the TV talent show’s 2005 series and later released a number one single, It’s Chico Time.

He wore a maroon silk shirt and placed his cowboy hat on the table in front when he arrived for his trial on Thursday.

Slimani was convicted of driving a Vauxha...