THE new Asda supercentre has proved it has the X-Factor. And it's not just because the £25m landmark store in the town centre has gone down a storm with customers.
Chico, the charismatic star of last year's hit ITV show, paid a visit to the region's flagship supermarket yesterday (Tuesday) to promote his new single.
And hundreds of excited fans waited patiently as they counted down the seconds to Chico Time.
And it was well worth the wait as he gave fans a dazzling rendition of his latest hit DISCO, the re-working of Ottawan's 70s classic, as well as his number one hit, It's Chico Time, before signing copies of the single.
Since the extraordinary impact he made on the popular show last year, Chico has won the hearts and minds of the British public.
And it's not difficult to see why. Warm, funny and charming, Chico is loved by everyone and the feeling is mutual.
Chico told the Pioneer: 'This has been fantastic. The reception I got was amazing, I just love Northern crowds. The only downside was that it was too short. It's been an unbelievable year and it's nice that I haven't been forgotten!
'I'm extremely grateful to everyone. I tell you what, this is as good as it's been since I went out of X-Factor, I can't wait to come back to Ellesmere Port.'
Despite being criticised by X-Factor judge Simon Cowell early in the series, Chico's cheeky charm eventually gained his support and the singer revealed Cowell's not the Mr Nasty we're all led to believe.
He said: 'Honestly, Simon is a really lovely person and Sharon Osbourne was just fantastic. She was like a mother to me.'
The X-Factor star, whose self-penned debut single It's Chico Time was top spot in the single charts for two weeks, is hoping for a repeat with his latest offering.
Chico said: 'If I could forecast whether I'd be number one I'd be a millionaire! But what I do need is the support of the wonderful fans in Ellesmere Port, you could be the difference!'
* See next week's Pioneer for your colour Chico poster.
