‘Darius was a gentle soul’
New UK|August 29, 2022
Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died suddenly last week and showbiz pals were quick to express their shock and pay tribute to “a true gentleman and legend”
Samuel McManus Maxwell
‘Darius was a gentle soul’

The showbiz world was in shock last week when it was announced that singer and theatre star Darius Campbell Danesh had died at the age of 41.

Darius rose to fame on the ITV talent show Popstars in 2001, where he failed to make it into the winning band Hear’Say alongside Kym Marsh and Myleene Klass, but won the hearts of the nation with his alternative rendition of …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears.

In 2002, he finished in third place on Pop Idol behind Gareth Gates and winner Will Young. Following his time on the show, Darius went on to release the No1 single Colourblind.



He turned his attention to theatre after the release of his second album and enjoyed two runs in the West End as Billy Flynn in Chicago in 2005 and 2008 – becoming the youngest person to ever play the character at the age of 25.

Darius went on to star in a number of musicals including Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind, From Here To Eternity and Funny Girl. In 2010, he won the first series of ITV's Popstar To Operastar, going on to perform in Carmen at London's 02 Arena.

A statement issued by 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 11 August and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners' office.

Denne historien er fra August 29, 2022-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 29, 2022-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW UKSe alt
'I couldn't believe it had struck again'
New UK

'I couldn't believe it had struck again'

Nikki and Michelle lost their sister Tracey to breast cancer. Here, they tell new about the days they too were diagnosed with the disease

time-read
4 mins  |
November 06, 2024
'It impacted my mental health'
New UK

'It impacted my mental health'

Love Island star Jess White on struggling with backlash since leaving the ITV2 villa.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 06, 2024
'Agonised' Stacey quits fashion line
New UK

'Agonised' Stacey quits fashion line

Sharing concerns with husband Joe Swash about their work/life balance, Stacey Solomon has called time on her In The Style partnership

time-read
3 mins  |
November 06, 2024
TV return is 'vital' for Phil
New UK

TV return is 'vital' for Phil

A PR expert tells new that Phillip Schofield's new reality show could pave the way for a spectacular comeback - but it's provoked a mixed reaction so far.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 06, 2024
'Amy wants something Special to happen'
New UK

'Amy wants something Special to happen'

As Amy Kenyon and Luke Debono film their wedding day on Married At First Sight UK, new gets a sneaky peek.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 06, 2024
We had our embryos frozen before we got married'
New UK

We had our embryos frozen before we got married'

Former TOWIE star Jess Wright on planning ahead to have | children, and why she dreams of going on Strictly one day.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 06, 2024
Christine is 'thriving
New UK

Christine is 'thriving

A source tells new how Christine McGuinness is growing in confidence since breaking up with Paddy.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 06, 2024
'We were both nervous to revive Big Brother
New UK

'We were both nervous to revive Big Brother

Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best on the new series of the show and what makes a good housemate

time-read
3 mins  |
November 06, 2024
Zoe's back after radio silence
New UK

Zoe's back after radio silence

After a difficult few months and speculation surrounding her absence, Zoe Ball is back on air, with a source telling new she's ready to take on the world

time-read
3 mins  |
November 06, 2024
Kerry 'I refuse to be the ugly sister'
New UK

Kerry 'I refuse to be the ugly sister'

As best mates Kerry Katona and Katie Price prepare to have a ball together in panto, Kerry tells new how her pal has inspired her to get a lower facelift.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 06, 2024