Will Gates: Last News

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

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.

His family wrote in their heartfelt statement: "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 statement added: "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."It concluded: "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."The tragedy took place after Darius had more than two decades of a successful showbiz career.He was much-loved in the entertainment industry, as early tributes suggest.BBC Radio presenter Sean Dunderdale has reminisced on Twitter of his caring and kind nature while telling of his sadness."I'm shocked by the sad news of the death of Darius Danesh," he wrote, adding: "He was one of the warmest, kindest, people."We met just after I’d gone through a breakup and to cheer me up he took me backstage at his gig, spent the day making sure I was okay and even tried to set me up with a friend!"Darius first attracted mainstream attention with his unique rendition of Britney Spears' Hit Me Baby One More Time.He went on to achieve third place on Pop Idol, behind Will Young and Gareth Gates.More than 13 million people tuned in to watch the fast-paced final.Though Will and Gareth's careers might have initially achieved more fame, Darius went on to rise to number one later in the year with his track Colourblind.His album, Dive In, also reached the top ten in the charts,