TV presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have issued a heartfelt tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh following his tragic death. The Scottish singer, 41, was found in his apartment in Minnesota on August 11, his family announced in a statement on Tuesday evening. The cause of his death remains unknown.
Darius found fame on the ITV talent search shows Popstars and Pop Idol in the early noughties. He finished in third place after Gareth Gates and winner Will Young on Pop Idol in 2002. Ant and Dec, both 46, co-hosted Pop Idol which saw Darius go on to top the UK singles chart with his song Colourblind. His self-penned hit was number one for two weeks and soared to number one on the iTunes chart following the heartbreaking news of his death.
Writing on Twitter on Wednesday Ant and Dec remembered the 'laughs' they enjoyed together during Pop Idol. They said: "We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh at such a tragically young age. We had many laughs with him on his Pop Idol journey. Our hearts go out to his lovely family. #RIP."
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Liberty X member Jessica Taylor, whose group was formed on Popstars in 2001, tweeted: "I'm so sad. Darius was only 41. He was an absolute gentleman and I know all of us who did Popstars with him will remember him with huge fondness. "
She added: "He had a way of bringing us all together and had such a natural warmth about him. Rest in peace lovely man." And bandmate Michelle Heaton tweeted: "So sad... thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney."
TV and radio presenter Nicki Chapman, who was a judge on Popstars and Pop Idol, paid tribute to "true gent" Darius. She tweeted: "There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh. A true gent with a kind soul and mischievous tinkle in his eye. "From that eventful first audition on Popstars to him kindly inviting me to see him perform on the West End stage. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Former Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell said: "I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well. He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with." The X Factor and BGT star added: His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends."
And fellow former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman was emotional as he appeared on BBC Breakfast to pay tribute. The legendary record producer appeared choked as he said he was finding it difficult to come to terms with the loss of his friend.
He said: "Because I had tea with him just before lockdown and he wanted me to go to America and work with him and help him out in making the big bill. So it's all a bit surreal, really."
Talking about what Darius was like, Pete went on: "He was such a gentle, polite and nice person. He really was what you saw on television. He was just so talented, but so polite. He became a great friend because I stood up for him."
A family statement read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh. Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office.
"The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue. We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”
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