Pop Idol rival Gareth Gates has paid a touching tribute to pal Darius Campbell Danesh who has died aged 41.
The 38-year-old singer shared his heartbreak over his pals tragic death, stating he was "like a big brother". Both Darius and Gareth battled it out on Pop Idol in 2002 which catapulted their careers sky high.
Taking to Instagram, Gareth 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. Good bye my friend. Forever in my heart x"
Pop Idol judge and music mogul Simon Cowell called Darius a “charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with” following the singer’s death aged 41.
In a statement given to the PA news agency, former Pop Idol judge Cowell, 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. His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Darius' family confirmed the news of his death on Tuesday in an emotional statement which 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 flocked in from fans and celebrity pals to pay tribute to the talented Scots singer. Rylan tweeted: "Proper sad about Darius"
Lorraine Kelly agreed: "This is really sad. Thoughts with his family and friends and everyone who loved him. A really good bloke – funny and kind and very talented."
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffat shared a throwback snap of Darius during his time of the singing competition. She captioned it: "Darius you were my childhood crush from Pop Idol days & I still blast out colour blind on a rainy day... prayers to your family, friends and fans".
BBC Radio 1 star Adele Roberts wrote: "This is so sad. Thinking of Darius’ family and friends."
Paul Potts wrote: "Wow. What a shock. RIP and my thoughts are with his family friends and loved ones."
BBC's Goodness Gracious Me star Sanjeev Bhaskar penned: "Sad news of Darius’ shockingly untimely passing. He was a guest on The Kumars and couldn’t have been a nicer, warmer guest with a great sense of self deprecation."
Carrie Hope Fletcher posted: "This is such sad news."
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