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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Darius' intimate funeral - Hollywood attendance and piper as Pop Idol star laid to rest

Darius Campbell Danesh's loved ones gathered for his funeral in Glasgow today.

The singer, 41, was laid to rest at Bearsden Cross Parish Church on the outskirts of his hometown, attended by just 100 people.

The understated funeral was worlds away from Darius' Los Angeles lifestyle and glittering West End career on stage, with his loved ones opting to say their final goodbye in an intimate and special ceremony at the 19th century chapel.

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler was among the mourners paying their respects to the Pop Idol star.

The funeral comes two weeks after Darius was found dead in his Minnesota apartment in the US on August 11, days before his 42nd birthday. His cause of death remains unknown.

Having formed a close friendship with the Scottish actor after moving to America, Gerard flew over for the service.

Gerard and Darius were good friends (Gerard Butler/Instagram)

The musical theatre star's coffin was piped into the hearse while a lone piper played one of his favourite songs, Caledonia, it has been reported.

While the attendance remained just for Darius' closest friends and family, the singer had clearly touched a lot of people in his short life as a number of well known figures took to social media to pay tribute.

Ahead of the funeral, comedian Omid Djalili said: "Funeral today in Bearsden, Glasgow for Darius Campbell Danesh. Such a lovely talented man gone way too soon.

Darius' funeral today was held at a Bearsden church on the outskirts of Glasgow (FACEBOOK)

"People were always taken aback by how much of a true gentleman he was. God bless his soul. Rest in peace my brother."

Darius' friend, Phones 4U boss John Cauldwell, shared a sweet video of the popstar singing to his housebound mum, who was a huge fan, writing "RIPDarius".

John had previously written that Darius had flown out to perform at his mother's funeral four months ago.

Gerard, 52, said he was devastated by the passing of his "dear friends", and described him as a "true brother in arms", in a tribute on Instagram earlier this month.

Darius with his Pop Idol rivals, Will Young and Gareth Gates (PA)
John Caudwell shared a sweet image of his mum and Darius today, on the day of the singer's funeral (Instagram)

He wrote: "To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life.

"He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist – nor would they want to!!! He was an incredible talent, a singer whose voice touched your soul and an actor with great presence.

"But, most importantly, he had the heart of a lion. It was bigger and brighter than the sun and an energy so contagious he could light up a room in seconds."

Darius was last pictured with London Has Fallen star Gerard in Malibu as he took a dog for a walk, just weeks before he died.

The friends were photographed barefoot as they hung out near Gerard's home.

Pop idol Simon Cowell also paid tribute to the singer, writing: "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."

Darius and pal Gerard Butler with hairdresser Taylor Ferguson (Twitter/taylorfergusonhair)

The 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.

He went on to have a successful stage career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn in two runs of the production, as well as Guys And Dolls, and as Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind.

He was also an ambassador for The Prince's Trust, a charity which helps disadvantaged young people.

Darius Danesh sung to Phones 4U boss John Cauldwell's frail mother in one of his final performances, with John paying tribute today (mirror.co.uk)

His work with the trust stretched back to his Pop Idol days when a gig in 2002 helped raise £300,000 for the charity.

Darius also attended a charity event for The Prince’s Trust Scotland in 2015 during which items and events were auctioned, including a dinner with Tilda Swinton.

The auction raised £1.6 million.

He also supported Cancer Research UK after both his parents were diagnosed with caner, but survived.

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