POP Idol legend Darius Campbell Danesh was discovered lifeless at 41 in his US flat — weeks earlier than he was to star in a reunion present in Britain.

The singer received hearts on the primary sequence of the ITV expertise present, coming third behind Will Younger and Gareth Gates in 2002.

Pop Idol legend Darius Campbell Danesh was discovered lifeless at 41 in his US flat
Darius was final snapped in June heading to the seaside in Malibu with Hollywood star and fellow Scot Gerard Butler, and had seemed to be in good well being.

The singer received hearts on the primary sequence of the ITV expertise showCredit: ITV
Final evening thriller surrounded the reason for his sudden demise in Rochester, Minnesota.

A supply mentioned Scot Darius had been “actually excited” on the prospect of a Pop Idol reunion.

Grief-stricken Gareth final evening led tributes to his Pop Idol pal.

The 38-year-old singer mentioned: “I can’t fairly consider the information of my pricey buddy Darius passing. I’m heartbroken.
“Darius took me beneath his wing throughout our time in Pop Idol, like an enormous brother; all the time searching for me and for that I thanks my buddy.

“I’ll miss our chats. He was one of the crucial lovely, clever and delicate souls I used to be fortunate sufficient to know, a soul that lit up each room.

“Goodbye my buddy. Endlessly in my coronary heart.”

Darius was discovered “unresponsive” at his US flat on August 11, his household introduced yesterday.
Cops in Rochester confirmed there have been no suspicious circumstances however have been understood to be awaiting the outcomes of medical and toxicology assessments.

Final evening, X Issue supremo Simon Cowell mentioned: “I first noticed Darius on tv over 20 years in the past and I acquired to know him very well. He was charismatic, humorous and only a nice individual to be with.
“His passing, for somebody so younger, is an absolute tragedy and my coronary heart goes out to his household and mates”.

The tragedy got here as Glasgow-born Darius — who cast a West Finish stage profession after chart-topping pop success — was set for an emotional reunion with showbiz buddies within the UK.

A supply instructed The Solar that Darius was set for a possible return to the UK in simply weeks for a Pop Idol reunion particular being made by Thames TV.

Stars of the present from throughout the globe have been invited again — plus Queen singer Adam Lambert, who received American Idol.Plans have been being made for filming on the Criterion Theatre in London’s West Finish, the place auditions have been held, for the primary time in 20 years.

The pal mentioned: “He was actually excited concerning the reunion and was in talks with producers to look on it. They have been taking a look at getting filming began across the finish of September.

“It was going to be an hour-and a-half-long particular hosted by Ant and Dec and filled with nostalgia for the tens of millions of Pop Idol followers.

“I spoke to Darius not too long ago and he was in good spirits — he was his ordinary comfortable self.”I first noticed Darius on tv over 20 years in the past and I acquired to know him very well. He was charismatic, humorous and only a nice individual to be with.

Simon Cowell
By no means-before-seen footage was mentioned to be a part of the particular, whereas Will and Gareth have been being lined up for a duet.

Darius was final snapped in June heading to the seaside in Malibu with Hollywood star and fellow Scot Gerard Butler, and had seemed to be in good well being.
However his household mentioned yesterday: “Darius was discovered unresponsive in mattress in his residence room and was pronounced lifeless within the afternoon by the native medical experts’ workplace. The native police division have confirmed that there have been no indicators of intent or suspicious circumstances.

“The reason for his sudden demise is unknown at this stage whereas medical examinations proceed. “We ask that you simply kindly respect our needs for privateness at the moment while we come to phrases with the tragic lack of our son and brother.”

Neil Fox, 61, who was a choose on Pop Idol, mentioned he was “saddened and shocked” to listen to the information about Darius. He recalled: “He had been such an enormous character on that first Pop Idol sequence.

“We lived close to one another and sometimes met up as his profession moved ahead with some large chart hits and West Finish exhibits.

“He was an enthralling man — super-polite, very witty and an actual hard-working professional who had set his sights on attending to the highest. He talked with large affection about his mum and pop and all the time wished to make them proud.”
“We ask that you simply kindly respect our needs for privateness at the moment while we come to phrases with the tragic lack of our son and brother.”

Neil Fox, 61, who was a choose on Pop Idol, mentioned he was “saddened and shocked” to listen to the information about Darius. He recalled: “He had been such an enormous character on that first Pop Idol sequence.

“We lived close to one another and sometimes met up as his profession moved ahead with some large chart hits and West Finish exhibits.

“He was an enthralling man — super-polite, very witty and an actual hard-working professional who had set his sights on attending to the highest. He talked with large affection about his mum and pop and all the time wished to make them proud.”

However the crooner bounced again to win the primary sequence of ITV’s Popstar To Operastar contest — beating Bernie Nolan of the Nolan Sisters within the closing. That success landed him his first main opera function in a manufacturing of Carmen at London’s O2 as toreador Escamillo.