Darius Campbell Danesh was reportedly “really excited” to appear in a Pop Idol reunion show just weeks before his tragic death.
The 41-year-old was rumoured to duet alongside Will Young and Gareth Gates in a special show being made imminently in Britain.
It comes after the Colourblind chart-topper was found dead in his US apartment – his family confirmed the news earlier this evening.
According to a source he was only recently in “good spirits” and was his “happy usual self”.
He was set for a potential return to the UK in just a few weeks for the rumoured Pop Idol reunion special being made by Thames TV, they told The Sun.
Plans were reportedly being made for filming at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End.
"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,” the friend told the outlet.
“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.”
The one-off special was said to include never-before-seen footage, while “Will and Gareth were being lined up for a duet,” according to the source.
Darius' family announced his tragic death in an emotional statement, which 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."
Darius saw success when he came third on Pop Idol behind Will and Gareth in 2002.
He famously declined an offer from tycoon Simon Cowell to sign a record deal and instead worked on Colourblind himself with a music producer.
It was a UK number one and his album Dive In also ranked in the UK top 10.
Celebrity friends filled social media with heart-wrenching tributes to the popstar tonight – with Simon penning a personal message.
"I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well,” said talent show judge Simon. “He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.”
He added: “His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
