Tributes have flooded in after news broke of Pop Idol star Darius Danesh's tragic death aged 41.
The Scots singer and theatre star was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, his family said. His cause of the death remains unknown.
A statement said: “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.”
The star rose to fame in 2001 with a much-talked about performance of Britney Spears' song Hit Me Baby One More Time. Tributes have since been paid to the singer in the wake of his untimely passing.
Rylan tweeted: "Proper sad about Darius"
Lorraine Kelly agreed: "This is really sad. Thoughts with his family and friends and everyone who loved him. A really good bloke – funny and kind and very talented."
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffat shared a throwback snap of Darius during his time of the singing competition. She captioned it: "Darius you were my childhood crush from Pop Idol days & I still blast out colour blind on a rainy day... prayers to your family, friends and fans".
BBC Radio 1 star Adele Roberts wrote: "This is so sad. Thinking of Darius’ family and friends."
Paul Potts wrote: "Wow. What a shock. RIP and my thoughts are with his family friends and loved ones."
BBC's Goodness Gracious Me star Sanjeev Bhaskar penned: "Sad news of Darius’ shockingly untimely passing. He was a guest on The Kumars and couldn’t have been a nicer, warmer guest with a great sense of self deprecation."
Carrie Hope Fletcher posted: "This is such sad news."
Scots comedian Limmy tweeted: "F****** NAW. No way. F****** loved Darius."
Liberty X singer Jessica Pietersen wrote: "I’m so sad. Darius was only 41. He was an absolute gentleman & I know all of us who did Popstars with him will remember him with huge fondness. He had a way of bringing us all together & had such a natural warmth about him. Rest in peace lovely man"
Shaparak Khorsandi said: "DARIUS! Oh lord how sad! I loved him...I ADORED that he was half Iranian made me proud. God life is unfathamable. So bloody sad."
Taylor Ferguson penned a statement on Instagram: "Devastated at the shocking news of the sudden death of our dearly loved friend Darius. Only 41. Our hearts are broken. We knew Darius from back in his Pop Idol and he became a family friend. He was a regular in the salon - most recently he popped in with his friend Gerard Butler. He always caused a stir - sometimes singing for our clients...always super kind and generous. He'd buy the team lunch. We'd listen to his latest stories and learn about his projects - and his love life. He was a gem."
BBC Radio 2 host Nicki Chapman wrote: "There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh. A true gent with a kind soul & 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"
Meanwhile, fans of the singer also shared their sadness at the news.
"I’m absolutely gutted @DariusCampbell RIP, he was an absolute gem of a man who I was lucky enough to see in funny girl. 41 such a tragedy . Thoughts with his friends and family," tweeted one fan.
"Was just saying the other day I’d love to see Darius Campbell/Danesh live again. Taken way too young big man. RIP", wrote another.
Another added: "Such sad news - like many, I watched Darius’ famous audition on Pop Idol and then his incredible comeback which resulted in an amazing career on stage. RIP"
Someone else said: "So sad! I loved Darius! Another young man taken too young!!"
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