Gareth Gates issued a tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh on Loose Women.
The Pop Idol runner-up appeared on today's edition of the popular ITV programme. He was interviewed by panelists Linda Robson, Frankie Bridge, Nadia Sawalha and Kaye Adams.
Gareth appeared on the debut season of Pop Idol alongside Darius. The two finished in the top three alongside eventual winner Will Young.
READ MORE: Not washing bed sheets enough linked to four medical conditions
The Colourblind hitmaker died earlier this year and Gareth revealed he was still in contact with him - and they were planning a Pop Idol revival. He said: "We spoke two weeks before he passed about the show we were about to do and that hit me hard. He was a really lovely man.
"He had a massive heart. It was extremely sad."
Darius was found dead in his US apartment, in Rochester, Minnesota, in August at the age of 41. Autopsy documents obtained by the PA news agency listed “toxic effects of chloroethane” as well as “suffocation” as having contributed to his death.
The death was ruled an accident by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. A statement released by the singer's family previously said local police had found “no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances”.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
Warning to anyone who drinks coffee before eating breakfast
Warning to Tesco, Asda and Aldi shoppers who pay in cash
Lloyds Bank issues £500 warning to all customers
We tried mince pies from Marks and Spencer, Aldi, Morrisons and there was a clear winner
DWP deadline as people urged to apply for hundreds of pounds
