Former Pop Idol contestant and theatre star Darius Campbell Danesh had been preparing to film a TV special in the UK with Ant and Dec before his shock death in the United States. The Pop Idol reunion special is being made by Thames TV, Birmingham Live reports.
The 41-year-old star was found dead in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 – although the cause of death remains unknown. The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor – who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 – also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young.
A friend told the Sun: “He was really excited about the reunion and was in talks with producers to appear on it. They were looking at getting filming started around the end of September. It was going to be an hour-and a-half-long special hosted by Ant and Dec and full of nostalgia for the millions of Pop Idol fans.
“I spoke to Darius recently and he was in good spirits — he was his usual happy self.”
In a statement given to the PA news agency, former Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell, 62, 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.
“His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Following his death, Campbell Danesh’s family issued a statement, which 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 cause of death remains unknown.
