An interview with Darius Campbell Danesh has resurfaced after it was announced the singer had tragically died aged 41.
Podcast host James Watt paid tribute to the Colourblind hitmaker as he re-aired his In Conversation podcast with Darius on Tuesday.
It was from the time when he played Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre in the West End back in 2015.
Reflecting, James said as he paid tribute: "I found out a lot about Darius, how generous he was and all the other stuff he was doing as well. He was much more than just that guy from Pop Idol. He was such an intelligent guy."
In the chat, Darius spoke about how he unintentionally auditioned for Popstars, before finding fame on Pop Idol and how he felt like the "richest man in the world" after his mother, Avril Campbell Danesh, was given the all-clear after a battle with breast cancer.
He said: "I am in my emotional experience. I just celebrated my mother being cancer free. I feel like the richest man in the world.
"This month I'm celebrating. To everyone who is facing any health battle right now I am sending you loads and love and support, Mindset is huge. So I do feel very happy."
Darius went on to play a huge part in raising awareness for Cancer Research and doing fundraisers for the charity.
In one of his last videos, the singer addressed the camera telling fans he was "sending them his love" from Glasgow Cathedral after a Cancer Research UK carol concert.
Elsewhere in his interview, Darius heaped praise on his Funny Girl leading lady Natasha Barnes and spoke of how he made his big break on Pop Idol, after unintentionally auditioning for Popstars.
Darius said: "I helped a friend that was wanting to audition. He had a panic attack and I took him through some breathing exercises and I turned up with him and auditioned.
"Before I knew it I was through to the final and the following year I was on Pop Idol. Simon Cowell offered me a good record deal and I turned it down."
Darius' heartbroken family announced his death on Tuesday, after the singer was found dead in his apartment.
His cause of death is not yet known.
A statement from his family 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."
