Popstars, Pop Idol and West End star Darius Danesh has tragically died aged 41, his family have confirmed. The singer and actor was pronounced dead this afternoon (August 16), after being found unresponsive in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Darius placed third on the first series of ITV talent show Pop Idol, behind winner Will Young and runner-up Gareth Gates, in 2002.
One year prior, Darius had auditioned for ITV show Popstars; which birthed winners Hear'Say and runner-up group Liberty X. His rendition of Britney Spears hit ...Baby One More Time on the show catapulted him into the spotlight, becoming a viewers' favourite.
Darius went on to achieve five UK Top 10 hits, including Number 1 debut single Colourblind in October 2002. His first studio album, Dive In, became a Top 10 hit later that year, charting at Number 6.
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