Sheridan Smith was guided by Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh through one of the toughest times of her life.
Late singer Darius, 41, who was tragically found dead in his home in Minnesota on August 11, starred alongside Gavin & Stacey actress in West End production Funny Girl in 2016.
During a 2017 Loose Women interview, Darius opened up about his close relationship with Sheridan as he gushed over her incredible acting talents, calling the actress 'one of her best mates'.
At this time, Sheridan was navigating through a tough period after the death of her father and the way in which she dealt with it, and Darius was there to guide her through.
The heartwarming interview saw the Colourblind singer insist that he 'completely adored' Sheridan after working alongside her for months on end.
"Sheridan is one of my mates, and someone that I completely adore. We support one another. She got a lot of press, because people were interested in what was going on with her.
"When you're in the public eye - the same way that Barbara Streisand was doing her show and there were rumours about whether or not she was having an affair with the leading man. This is the industry that we're in and people are naturally interested.
"Sheridan is someone with an incredible spirit and a driving force and for her to come back not only after her father passed, but to be able to so with such grace and amazing showmanship, I love Sheridan and we've got a great friendship."
Darius added that he helped Sheridan through the tough times by just being there for her and letting her know that he was always around to listen whenever she was feeling down.
The 41-year-old star was found dead at his apartment in Rocheste r, Minnesota, his family have confirmed. He died on August 11, but no cause of death has yet been revealed.
Darius' devastated family confirmed the tragic news of his death in a statement, revealing that he had died 'suddenly' but that the exact cause is not yet known. A statement from his family read: "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."
Tributes have flooded in for the former Pop Idol singer following the shock news of his untimely death.
His ex-wife Natasha Henstridge shared her own emotional words as she quoted Mother Theresa in her heartbreaking tribute.
Despite the pair being divorced, Natasha showed her on-going love for the star as she shared a string of sweet photos of the pair in the now deleted post.
The actress captioned her post: "I have found the paradox that is you love until it hurts. there can be no more hurt- Only more love -Mother Theresa.
"There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam."
The pair got engaged in 2010 but decided to call it quits, before rekindling their romance and tying the knot on Valentine’s Day 2011 at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
However, their love story wasn't to last as they split just two years later before finalising their divorce in 2018.
Other stars stars such as Simon Cowell and Gareth Gates sharing heartbreaking memories about the much-loved star.
Music mogul Simon, 62, called Darius' death an 'absolute tragedy' in a gushing tribute.
The pair had appeared on Pop Idol together back in 2002, with Syco boss Simon in the judging seat as Darius impressed with his vocal talents.
Paying tribute, Simon 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.”
Former Pop Idol star Gareth Gates also rushed to share his condolences after learning the devastating news of Darius' death at 41.
Gareth, 38, described his Pop Idol co-star as his 'big brother' as he penned: "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."
The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor - who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 - also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young.
After his successful stint in Pop Idol, he was offered a record deal by Simon Cowel l - which he turned down in favour of working with producer Steve Lillywhite.
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.
