Wednesday 17 August 2022 01:25 AM Darius Campbell Danesh: Singer and theatre star had been planning a Pop Idol UK ... trends now
Pop Idol icon Darius Campbell Danesh was just weeks away from a reunion tour with his former co-stars when he was found unresponsive in his bed aged 41 as police continue to probe his mystery death.
Sources close to Darius claim he had been hugely 'excited' for his reported Pop Idol homecoming - and UK comeback trip - just weeks before he died.
Stars of the show, including Queen singer and American Idol winner Adam Lambert, were due to be invited back with Thames TV filming at the Criterion Theatre in the West End, reports the Sun.
The showbiz world was rocked by news of the passing of the Scottish singer and actor who was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 - although the cause of death remains unknown.
Police have said there were 'no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances' as of yet while they await toxicology reports as they investigate the death of the late Pop Idol star.
He lived in the US and had been in a relationship with Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge. The couple married in 2011 at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but had since divorced.
His former wife broke her silence to mourn his passing and in a short statement released yesterday she wrote: 'There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam.'
It comes as Simon Cowell, 63, led the tributes to the late singer he first met in 2002 when he finished in third place on Pop Idol, as the music mogul released a statement honouring the star who passed exactly 20 years after he topped the charts with his critically-acclaimed single Colourblind.
Darius famously turned down a record deal from Mr Cowell but the two have remained friendly over the years and reunited at an X Factor party and taping. It was also revealed the late star recently visited Simon's home in Malibu for the evening to attend the party and judges' homes taping.
Simon told MailOnline: '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.'
Among the last people to be pictured with Darius before his death was actor and friend Gerard Butler, who had frequented Rochester, Minnesota - a small urban city with a population of around 117,000 - in recent months.
Pop Idol icon Darius Campbell Danesh was just weeks away from a reunion tour with his former co-stars when he was found unresponsive in his bed aged 41. Pictured: Gareth Gates (left) Hayley Evetts, Darius Danesh (centre) and Will Young (right)
After Pop Idol, Danesh turned down Simon Cowell's offer of a record deal and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose credits include U2 and the Rolling Stones
The 2002 stars of Pop Idol including Simon Cowell (back row, centre) Will Young (next to Cowell, right), Gareth Gates (white suit, centre) and Darius Danesh Campbell (furthest right)
Among the last people to be pictured with Darius before his death was actor Gerard Butler (pictured right with his friend in Malibu, California on June 11), who had reportedly travelled to Rochester, Minnesota - a small urban city with a population of around 117,000 - in recent months
Darius as Rhett Butler, pictured with co-star Jill Paice as Scarlett O'Hara in the musical production of the American classic Gone With The Wind
The music mogul, 62, who first crossed paths with the late singer when finished on third place on Pop Idol in 2002 - released a statement honouring the star (Simon pictured in 2002 on Pop Idol)
He first shot to fame when he appeared on Popstars in 2001 before going on to defy critics and enjoying a successful and critically acclaimed music and theatre career
Gareth Gates led tributes to his 'big brother' Darius Campbell Danesh after he was found dead in his apartment at the age of 41
Danesh (pictured above with former girlfriend Jacqui Ainsley) made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 with his quirky rendition of Britney Spears' Baby One More Time.
Danesh - whose death was announced yesterday - was married to actress Natasha Henstridge from 2011 to 2018. She wrote online after his passing: 'There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam.'
Darius lived in the US and was in a relationship with Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, whose films include sci-fi hit Species. The couple married in 2011 at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but had since divorced
His debut single, Colourblind, was released in July 2002 and went straight to number one, marking the start of a run of top 10 releases
The Scottish performer went on to forge a successful theatre career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn (above, in 2011) in two runs of the production, as well as Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and more in the West End
A family statement 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.'
Despite finishing in third place on Pop Idol, X-Factor icon Mr Cowell clearly saw Darius' star quality and still offered him a deal, but the star claimed it was the 'obvious choice' to reject it.
Darius previously told Hello of that incident: 'When Simon Cowell offered me a contract and I turned it down, it seemed like the obvious thing to do. I understand why people thought I was mad to do it, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have a number one with Colourblind.
'I would just have been doing covers and then nobody would have heard of me ever again. I'm so lucky to be able to do what I love without having to beat to the drum of having someone else telling you what to wear and how to act.'
Following the news that the Scottish singer had passed away, a slew of stars took to social media to offer their sympathies, including Lorraine Kelly, Adele Roberts and Rylan.
His Popstars alumni Jessica Pietersen and Michelle Heaton - who featured on the show in 2001 - were also among those stars paying tribute following the tragic news.
Singer Myleen Klass, who also shot to fame on Popstars with her band Hear'Say, posted following his tragic passing and honoured him with a throwback image, titled: 'Back where it all began.'
Gareth Gates, 38, who also appeared on Pop Idol in 2002 where he pipped the late star to second place, honoured Darius with a heartfelt post after his tragic death was confirmed by relatives in an emotional statement.
He said: '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. For ever in my heart.'
Darius first shot to fame when he appeared on Popstars in 2001 before going on to defy critics and enjoy a successful music and theatre career.
In a performance regarded by most as cringey when it aired at the time, Darius garnered attention for his cover of Britney Spears's Hit Me Baby One More Time sporting his memorable ponytail and goatee on the ITV talent show.
After Pop Idol in 2002, Danesh turned down Simon Cowell's offer of a record deal and signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose credits include U2 and the Rolling Stones.
His debut single, Colourblind, was released in July 2002 and went straight to number one, marking the start of a run of top 10 releases.
As the accolades began pouring in for the acclaimed singer and songwriter's career, his first solo album Dive In went platinum, while his first West End stage appearance came as Billy Flynn in the iconic Chicago.
He lived in the US and found love with Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, whose films include sci-fi hit Species.
The couple married in 2011 at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but were divorced a few years later. He previously told the Scottish Herald: 'That relationship was certainly not without its ups and downs. Over the course of 12 years, we broke up many times and had a period of six months apart
'It was often a long-distance relationship for half of it. That in itself was an amazing experience, but a painful one. When you love someone you want to be with them.'
And in 2010, he spoke to Hello! magazine about a car crash in which he
