ONE of The X Factor’s most memorable contestants ever stunned Good Morning Britain fans as he arrived on-set with a new look.
The singer, who reached the quarter-final stages of the ITV reality show back in 2005, rocked a huge hat, bandana and sunglasses – which stayed firmly on his face for the whole of the interview.
Chico – best-known for his hit, It’s Chico Time – was on Good Morning Britain‘s panel on Thursday for a debate about driving in flip-flops.
The TV star, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, was born in Wales but moved to Morocco as a baby.
He has now ditched his pop career following his 2006 singles and runs fitness retreats overseas and, he told the show how when working in hot climates, “people would not be wearing trainers or shoes.”
Yet he insisted he was “all about safety” – so could respect some of the arguments against wearing the less than supportive footwear when behind the wheel.
In the debate entitled sandal Scandal, he appeared a ball of energy as he argued his fellow guest, celebrity car customiser Yianni Charalambous.
Championing the seasonal footwear he said: “Exactly! We have only got one week left [of summer.]
“People who wear their sandals – because it’s the only time they feel like they’ve had a summer!”
Later in the chat Chico, who was wearing a blue shirt, said: “For instance, these sandals for me, are part of my foot,” before lifting his leg over the desk.
He added: “They are literally part of my foot.”
GMB anchor Ed Balls, 57, intervened and suggested: “Chico this is all diversion, he’s right.
“You agree with him.”
The pop hunk quickly interjected: “Hold on a minute no I don’t, you are just trying to manipulate the situation here.
“What I’m trying to say is this, it’s very simple … the ‘for your safety’, it’s bull.”
Pointing his finger in the air, he then then suggested there would be government intervention to enforce a no flip flop rule and cryptically added: “This is a bigger than a week of sandals
“You should be aware of your bigger surroundings.”
fans appeared baffled by his appearance, with one taking to X to muse: “Another reality show reject trying to be current #Chico WTAF.”
A second put: “Can someone tell me why Chico, Of all people, Is arguing about flip flops on GMB?,” as a third wrote: “Can someone wake me from this fever dream because I think I’m seeing Chico from the X Factor pontificating about the dangers of flipflops whilst driving and the nanny state.”
One continued: “Yeah I always go to chico for his opinion,” as another joked: “Chico was Flip flopping on his point.”
A show fan noted the change in look and added: “Chico has morphed into Captain Jack Sparrow and is on #GMB right now holding forth on the pros and cons of driving in flip-flops.”
The Highway Code states footwear or clothing should not get in the way of driving a vehicle and, if it does, it can represent a violation.
Recently, Chico was just as opinionated on the show that made him famous.
He suggested The X Factor “uses and abuses” stars – with artists “naive and silly” to expect a long music career.
