Darius Danesh's Pop Idol rival Gareth Gates pay tribute to 'big brother' after his death

Will Young has paid tribute to his former Pop Idol co-star Darius Campbell Danesh, who died earlier this week. Danesh, who was living in the US, was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota on Tuesday (16 August). He was 41.

The grieving family of former Pop Idol contestant Darius Campbell Danesh may not find out the cause of his death for two months. Scottish singer and and West End performer Darius, who was 41, was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and pronounced dead that afternoon.

Darius Campbell Danesh was said to be “really excited” to appear in a Pop Idol reunion show just weeks before he sadly passed away.

Fans across the globe are mourning the death of Scots Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh after he passed away at the age of 41.

Former Pop Idol co-hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have broken their silence following the death of Darius Campbell Danesh, remembering "many laughs" with the Scottish singer.The TV presenting duo paid tribute to the 41-year-old, who finished third behind winner Will Young, 43, and Gareth Gates, 38, in the first Pop Idol series on ITV in 2002. Darius also appeared on an episode of their Ant and Dec's entertainment show Saturday Night Takeaway. His tragic death was announced by his family on Tuesday after the songwriter and theatre star was found unresponsive in his US apartment on August 11.

Former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman has said Darius Campbell Danesh "could have gone on to be bigger than Michael Buble" in a moving tribute. Waterman, 75, joined others from the music industry in remembering the Scottish singer and theatre star, who tragically died aged 41.The Glasgow-born performer's family announced his death in a statement on Tuesday, after he was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11. Local police confirmed there were "no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances", with the cause of his sudden death unknown at this stage, according to the family.

Singer Darius Campbell Danesh was found dead in his apartment on 11 August at the age of 41 and the cause of his death in Rochester, Minnesota is still unknown.The star rose to fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 but didn't make it into the band, although he didn’t give up. The following year, he appeared on the first series of Pop Idol where he came third behind Will Young and Gareth Gates. Despite coming third place, Darius went on to have an incredibly successful career including releasing two albums and working in theatre.

Former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman appeared emotional as he appeared on TV to pay tribute to his friend Darius Campbell Danesh following the sad news of his death. The singer and theatre star's family confirmed on Tuesday (August 16) that he had died aged 41 last week.

Darius Campbell Danesh was pictured with Hollywood pal and fellow Scot Gerard Butler in a final photo taken of him before his tragic passing.

Darius Campbell Danesh was “really excited” about an upcoming appearance on a Pop Idol reunion show, just weeks before his tragic death on August 11, according to reports. The 41 year old star, who first shot to fame on Pop Stars back in 2001 before winning the nation’s hearts with his appearance on Pop Idol, was rumoured to be appearing on a reunion special alongside fellow alumni Will Young and Gareth Gates.

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.

social media to share her condolences. Read more: Lorraine Kelly and Rylan lead Darius Danesh tributes as Pop Idol star dies just 41Taking to Twitter, the Consett-born singer and actress, wrote: "Still processing the new of Darius’s death, a big brother to all of us in popidol. I’ll always remember his wonderful warm tall hugs and his words of wisdom.

Gareth Gates has posted an emotional tribute to his “dear friend” Darius Danesh, who has died aged 41. Danesh was a Scottish singer and actor who rose to fame on Popstars and Pop Idol, where he competed against Gates in the latter in 2002.

Simon Cowell has broken his silence in light of Darius Danesh’s death. Darius was found in his apartment in Minnesota, US, on 11 August, his family confirmed.They added: “The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.” In the wake of the tragic news, people have been sharing their condolences, with Simon, 62, having now voiced his. “I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well,” he told PA.

Gareth Gates is among the stars who have paid tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh following the shocking news that he has died at the age of 41.MORE: Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh dies aged 41Sharing a sweet baby-faced throwback photo of the pair from their Pop Idol days on Instagram, Gareth wrote: "I can't quite believe the news of my dear friend Darius passing. I'm heartbroken.

Pop Idol rival Gareth Gates has paid a touching tribute to pal Darius Campbell Danesh who has died aged 41.

Darius Danesh has passed away aged 41, his family have confirmed.The singer shot to fame on Popstars in 2001 before finding further success on Pop Idol the following year. Announcing the news of his untimely death, his family 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.

Rylan Clark and Lorraine Kelly are among the first stars to pay tribute to Darius Danesh after the singer and actor who rose to fame on Popstars and Pop Idol died at the age of 41. The Scottish star’s family confirmed on Tuesday (16 August) that Danesh had died on 11 August.