'X Factor's Chico defended by family

X Factor finalist Chico Slimani has been defended by his family, who want viewers to see a different side to the singer.

Relatives and close friends are apparently furious at the way Chico - real name Yousseph - is being portrayed on the ITV1 talent show.

"The way Chico is presented, anyone would think he has nothing but cheek and cheese to offer," long-term friend Trevor Davy told The Mirror. "He's been called a chump, a sleaze bag and a male slut because of the stripper stuff.

"But none of us recognise that as the man we know. Our Chico is devoted to his family and friends first, music second. Everything he's done with his life has been to help support his family."

Another close friend, Dennis Silpatt, thinks that Chico is being set up to engineer conflict on this year's live shows.

"Last year they manufactured a fight between Sharon Osbourne and Steve Brookstein to keep viewers hooked until the last minute," Dennis explained.

"This time they've set up Chico as the thorn in Simon Cowell's side. But he's ultra professional and will do whatever they ask of him, so he went along with it. He never dreamt it might backfire and affect his credibility."