Liberty X stars and Pop Idol judge Nicky Campbell have led tributes to former Pop Idol contestant Darius Campbell Danesh who has been found dead in his US apartment. The singer and theatre star, 41, was found in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 with the cause of his death currently remaining unknown.
The Scottish pop star rose to fame in 2001 when he appeared on the hit ITV show Popstars, which formed the band Hear'Say, and performed his own memorable twist on the Britney Spears classic Baby One More Time. The following year he returned to our screens on ITV's next talent search show Pop Idol.
He came third after winner Will Young and Gareth Gates in second place. Darius then went on to top the UK singles charts with his catchy pop song Colourblind and he paved a successful musical career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn for two runs of the production.
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Liberty X member Jessica Taylor, whose group was formed on Popstars, tweeted: "I'm so sad. Darius was only 41. He was an absolute gentleman and I know all of us who did Popstars with him will remember him with huge fondness. "
She added: "He had a way of bringing us all together and had such a natural warmth about him. Rest in peace lovely man." And bandmate Michelle Heaton tweeted: "So sad... thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney."
TV and radio presenter Nicki Chapman, who was a judge on Popstars and Pop Idol, paid tribute to "true gent" Darius. She tweeted: "There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh. A true gent with a kind soul and 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."
Radio Two presenter Rylan said: "Proper sad about Darius." West End actress and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher wrote on Twitter: "This is such sad news" and shared a broken heart emoji.
And former Coronation Street actor Matthew Marsden described the news as 'truly heartbreaking.' "I first met Darius when he auditioned for the Big Breakfast weather man years ago," he said. "He was a terrific human being. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Rylan won the first series of ITV's Popstar to Operastar contest in 2010, beating the likes of Bernie Nolan of the Nolan sisters in the final. He later landed a major opera role in a new production of Carmen at London's O2 Arena.
A family statement reads: "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.”
Fans called for his pop 'banger' Colourblind to top the UK chart again in a fitting tribute to the man who delivered on his famous promise to secure a platinum-selling album before the age of 35 with Dive In.
@TomHourigan tweeted: "Colourblind was, in all sincerity, an absolute banger." @rightbackpod said: "Rest in peace, Darius. The first reality TV-launched popstar to really turn their narrative around and find success! Tonight, we’re streaming ‘Colourblind’ on repeat."
@elliot_gonzalez wrote: "It would be lovely if somehow, Colourblind by Darius worked its way back into the charts following today's terribly sad news." And @__Anastazia said: "Petition to get Colourblind to Number 1."
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