Simon Cowell has remembered former Pop Idol contestant and theatre star Darius Campbell Danesh as "charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with" following the singer's death aged 41.
Darius was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11, his family announced. In a statement, 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. His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends."