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,

ITV has 'entered talks' to 'reboot' the popular noughties singing competition Pop Idol in 2023.TV Zone and Super TV have reported that ITV have expressed an interest in the format of the show, and earlier this week they allegedly entered talks for a special reboot with a group of executives.Original creator Simon Fuller was reportedly involved in the talks with ITV.Reports say that a TV special could potentially air in the autumn of 2023, which will commemorate 20 years since it was last on our screens.ITV has since told Daily Star directly that "absolutely nothing is confirmed" but added that "it would be unlikely to return as a full series" – which still gives fans hope for an epic spin-off.Pop Idol was created by Simon Fuller and fronted by Ant & Dec on ITV from 2001 to 2003.The judging panel was headed up by Neil Fox, Nicki Chapman, Pete Waterman and Simon Cowell, and all four judges featured on the 46 episodes that were broadcast over the two series' that were aired.In 2004 Simon Cowell distanced himself from Pop Idol in order to pursue The X Factor – a show that last aired in 2019 and has no plans to relaunch.TV Zone has said that the series "has not yet been formerly commissioned from ITV, and host(s) and judges are to be confirmed" adding that ITV didn't deny anything when they approached the broadcasting corporation.Pop Idol was an iconic talent contest in the early noughties and is responsible for the fame gained by the likes of Will Young and Gareth Gates.The first series of the show saw Will and Gareth battle it out for the coveted title, with Will winning the show and Gareth coming second. Will Young has gone on to have a successful musical career – on stage and off.