Pop Idol singer Gareth Gates is among a number of celebrities to pay tribute to Darius Campbell-Danesh, who passed away last week.
The singer, 38, who featured alongside Darius in the first series of Pop Idol in 2002, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, after his death was announced on Tuesday.
He said: “I can’t quite believe the news of my dear friend Darius passing. I’m heartbroken.
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“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.
“Good bye my friend. Forever in my heart.”
The Scottish singer's family announced he was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11, at the age of 41. The cause of death currently unknown.
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Former Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell, 62, also paid tribute to Darius. In a statement given to the PA news agency, he said: “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. His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
TV presenter Rylan Clark, 33, paid tribute on Twitter, simply writing: “Proper sad about Darius.”
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, 31, also shared a tribute to "childhood crush," Darius. On an Instagram story, she said: "I still blast out Colourblind on a rainy day.
"Prayers to your family, friends and fans."
Former Popstars judge Nicki Chapman, 55, who knew Darius from his time on the show in 2001, tweeted: “There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh.
"A true gent with a kind soul & mischievous tinkle in his eye. From that eventful first audition on Popstars to him kindly inviting me to see him perform on the West End stage.
"Thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
After Pop Idol, Darius turned down Cowell’s offer of a record deal and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose credits include U2 and the Rolling Stones. His debut single, Colourblind, was released in July 2002 and went straight to number one, marking the start of a run of top 10 releases.
He went on to forge a successful stage career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn in two runs of the production, as well as Guys and Dolls, Gone with the Wind and more in the West End. He lived in the US and found love with Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, whose films include sci-fi hit Species.
The couple married in 2011 at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but divorced in 2018. In an emotional tribute to the singer, she said: “There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam.”
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