Join Chico on judgement day

Comet reporter REBECCA FINDLEY takes time out to meet former X-Factor winner Chico before his date as a judge at Jumpin Jaks own competition SIMON Cowell doubted him, Sharon loved him and Louis….. does anybody remember what Louis said? Whatever anybody

Comet reporter REBECCA FINDLEY takes time out to meet former X-Factor winner Chico before his date as a judge at Jumpin Jaks' own competition

SIMON Cowell doubted him, Sharon loved him and Louis..... does anybody remember what Louis said?

Whatever anybody believed, Chico appears to be one of the few winners from the X Factor experience.

His success comes down to "PMA - a positive mental attitude" and it seems to have worked. However, he has seen many changes in his quest for stardom; from goat herder to singer, from ladies' man to family favourite.

His image has changed to suit his audience.

"I went in as Casanova and came out as the Pied Piper," he said.

It is a year since he came fifth in X Factor after setting a precedent by performing his own song Chico Time on the show.

Kids all over the country were asking "What time is it?" for weeks so it is shocking that he admits to writing it in only two hours.

However, he does take inspiration from the greats - Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Elvis.

The cheeky charmer lists his highlights as visiting Sharon's house, performing with the Chicettes, getting a Number One single over Madonna and the birth of his daughter Lalla-Khira.

He is king of the motivational one-liners, "fame is not for the lame" and "drive gets you there, desire takes you higher".

However, his sunny persona has got him far and he has also set up the Rainbow Child Foundation, appeared in an anti-bullying campaign and produced a BAFTA nominated short film.

Chico believes that Leona and Ray are both winners in the contest and cannot pick who will receive the X Factor crown. He says that Leona has great vocal range and style and can compete on a global level while Ray is "a mini-me, a dark horse" who has character and charisma in bundles.

Chico is tearing himself away from his role in Aladdin in Brighton to appear at Jumping Jaks tonight (Thursday). He will perform and judge their JAX Factor competition although he said: "I hate judging things as I hate disappointing people."

The winner gets £10,000 and a recording session.

He has hope for another Number One next year and may dabble in Latin music with an Arabian flavour, however he will always stay true to his roots.

"Pop is popular, and that's good enough for me," added Chico.