Former Pop Idol hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have paid tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh following his sad death at the age of 41.
The Scottish singer was found dead in his apartment in Minnesota on August 11, his family announced in a statement on Tuesday evening. His cause of death remains unknown. Darius found fame on reality TV shows Popstars and Pop Idol in the earlier 00s – finishing third behind Gareth Gates and winner Will Young.
Geordie TV presenters Ant and Dec had co-hosted the talent show Pop Idol which saw Darius rise to fame. And Darius even appeared on an episode of their joint entertainment show Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
Read More: Simon Cowell's tribute to late Darius Danesh - 'absolute tragedy'
Writing on Twitter on Wednesday, Ant and Dec said: "We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh at such a tragically young age. We had many laughs with him on his Pop Idol journey. Our hearts go out to his lovely family. #RIP."
The TV hosts join a flurry of stars who have shared tributes to Darius following the news of his passing, including the former Pop Idol judge Peter Waterman, reports The Mirror.
Pete, 75, appeared on the ITV programme Good Morning Britain on Wednesday to describe Darius as a "true, true gentleman in every sense of the word". He said: "He had a record career, then he was on the stage, then he took up opera, then he was making films. He was all over the place. It was quite incredible and he really was a fabulous person."
Meanwhile, Darius' Pop Idol rival Gareth said he was "heartbroken" by the Colourblind singer's passing. He said in a statement: "I can’t quite believe the news of my dear friend Darius passing. I’m heartbroken. Darius took me under his wing during our time in Pop Idol, like a big brother, always looking out for me and for that I thank you my friend.
"I will miss our chats. He was one of the most beautiful, intelligent and gentle souls I was lucky enough to know, a soul that lit up every room. Goodbye my friend. Forever in my heart."
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