Former Pop Idol judges appeared on Good Morning Britain to pay tribute to Darius Danesh following his tragic death at the age of 41.
The former Pop Idol star 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.
The singer and actor rose to fame on ITV talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol two decades ago, coming third on Pop Idol behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in 2002.
Former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman 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.”
Fellow former Pop Idol judge Neil Fox also appeared on the programme to remember Darius, saying: “He was a larger than life character, who was always very charming.
“Myself and anyone else who came into contact with him always found him very down to earth, very humble and decent guy.”
Entertainment reporter Richard Arnold recalled how Pop Idol “changed the broadcasting landscape” and described meeting Darius on a number of occasions.
He said: “The first thing that struck me, aside from him being so polished as a performer, was he was so incredibly polite.
“He would always ask after my parents. He was really invested when he was chatting with you. He wasn’t necessarily looking over your shoulder at somebody else in showbiz circles.
“Pete Waterman summed it up perfectly – he was an absolute gentleman. Obviously our condolences go to his family, who he was very very close to.”
Good Morning Britain host Rob Rinder replied: “He had such a talent as well. Completely tragic.”
In an emotional statement on Tuesday evening, Darius’s family wrote: "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."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
