Simon Cowell has shared his own tribute following the tragic death of Darius Campbell Danesh. There was an outpouring of shock and sadness on Tuesday (August 16) when the family of the former Pop Idol contestant confirmed his unexpected passing, aged 41.
Campbell Danesh was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11, his family announced. The singer and theatre star's cause of his death currently remains unknown. Many remember the Scottish pop star from when he appeared the hit ITV show Popstars, which formed the band Hear'Say, in 2001.
He did his own memorable twist on the Britney Spears classic Baby One More Time which has been shared across social media following the confirmation of his death. The following year he returned to our screens on ITV's next talent search show Pop Idol and finished in third place behind Gareth Gates in second and winner Will Young.
Campbell Danesh 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 as well as Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and more in the West End.
In a statement given to the PA news agency, former Pop Idol judge Simon, 62, 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."
The X Factor and BGT star added: His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends." Following his death, Campbell Danesh’s family issued a statement, which said: “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."
Gareth Gates, who found fame on the first series of Pop Idol alongside Darius, paid tribute in a touching Instagram post. Alongside a picture of them both, the 38-year-old wrote: "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 x."
After watching a clip of Campbell Danesh performing a rendition of …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears, record producer and former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman told TalkTV: “Too young, I mean no age, 41. You’ve got to feel for his parents. This is tragic. You watch a clip there and it was a whole different generation of television. It’s unreal.”
He added: “He never got the credit he really deserved about how he worked of Popstars and Pop Idol. He was clever." TV and radio presenter Nicki Chapman, who was a judge on Popstars while Campbell Danesh was a contestant on the show, tweeted: "There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh.
“A true gent with a kind soul & mischievous twinkle 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."
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