Will Young pays tribute to ‘gentle’ Pop Idol co-star Darius Campbell Danesh after his death at age 41

Darius Danesh has been laid to rest in Scotland following his untimely death at the age of 41.The star was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on Tuesday 11 August. And on Thursday 25 August, a private service for family and friends was held at Bearsden Cross Parish Church in Darius' hometown of Glasgow. A lone piper played one of the singer's favourite songs, Caledonia, during the procession.

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler led mourners at the funeral of late Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh.An intimate funeral service was held for the Scottish singer in Glasgow on Thursday (August 25) so the star could finally be laid to rest.It comes after the musician tragically died aged 41 and was found dead in his US apartment on August 11.READ MORE:Darius Campbell Danesh 'weeks away from Pop Idol comeback' before tragic death aged 41Around 100 mourners reportedly gathered to pay their tributes to the former Pop Idol star, according to The Sun and other outlets.It was also reported a lone piper played Caledonia during the emotional procession.A-list actor Gerard Butler, a close pal of Darius, was among those saying a final farewell to the star.The Scottish actor previously called fellow Scot Darius a "true brother in arms" following the heartbreaking news of the singer's death.Butler went on: "My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus."To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life."He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist – nor would they want to!!! He was an incredible talent, a singer whose voice touched your soul and an actor with great presence."But, most importantly, he had the heart of a lion.

The funeral of Scots Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh has been held in Bearsden, following his sudden death.

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American Idol Sanjaya Malakar said he's bisexual, and was not aware of such when he became a national sensation appearing on the talent competition in 2007.Malakar, 32, appearing on the podcast The Adam Sank Show Monday, chat about his time on the show and the years since, as well as his sexuality.'I identify as bisexual,' Malakar told Sank, adding that 'at the time' he was a contestant on the show - when there was speculation over his sexuality - he 'did not know, which was why it was so weird.' The latest: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar, 32, said he's bisexual, and was not aware of such when he became a national sensation appearing on the talent competition in 2007The Seattle native was 17 when he initially tried out for the show in 2006 with his sister Shyamali, and made it into the show's top 10 in an unlikely ascent - as judge Simon Cowell had criticized his vocals as 'utterly horrendous' - but was popular with viewers who continued to vote for him.He was eventually eliminated in the top seven, after performing songs such as Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's Ain't No Mountain High Enough, No Doubt's Bathwater and Irving Berlin's Cheek to Cheek. Malakar, who currently works as a bartender and pastry chef, said that he was 'raised by women' and eventually got involved with theater.'I had a hard time figuring out how to interact with young boys because my dad's from India and grew up in a temple, so there was never like, "This is how you are a boy,"' he said.

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"When he did get back, the reply was to say 'thanks for getting in touch, love you and apologies for the tardy response'."It was very odd," they told The Sun.They continued: "It was like I was speaking to a stranger. I spoke to him afterwards but he seemed like he may have been a bit lost."The star's family will now have to wait for an agonising two months before they can receive the details about the cause of his death.A police spokesman said: "The investigation into the cause of his death is still pending.There is no known threat to the public."Darius had been staying at The Berkman apartments, billed as Rochester’s premiere address for “elegant short-term and long-term furnished suites and residential living”.Most tenants who live in the block of flats work or are being treated at the Mayo Clinic nearby.The Mayo Clinic is rated among the top hospitals in the world, and has treated celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, Johnny Cash, and former US president Ronald Reagan.Sean Bean addresses 'regrets' after being married five times[LATEST]Michael Jackson's kids Paris, 24, and Prince, 25, hold hands at gala[PICTURES]Michael Bublé's wife shares new hospital footage from baby's birth[INSTAGRAM]Following the sad news of his death, tributes had poured in for Darius and among those was music mogul, Simon Cowell, who said: “He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.

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Darius Campbell Danesh spoke of his desire to return to Scotland and how he felt "blessed" in an emotional final interview. In the last week, tributes have poured in for the reality star-turned West End favourite from celebrities, friends, and fans - following his untimely death at aged 41.

Darius Campbell Danesh believed he had lived a 'blessed' life and spoke of his deep yearning to return to Scotland, the land he truly loved, in his poignant final interview.  As a host of celebrities, friends and fans mourned his death last week and paid tribute to the man who went from reality show laughing stock to pop and West End stardom, the most heartbreaking words came from the Scottish icon's own lips. As he looked back on his life, he simply said: 'I've been really blessed.

Gerard Butler has paid tribute to his friend Darius Campbell Danesh, saying he has been left “devastated” by the death of his “brother in arms” last week.

Will Young has paid tribute to his fellow Pop Idol finalist Darius Campbell Danesh, following his sad death last week at the age of 41. The singer, who became the first ever winner of the pop competition in 2002, appeared in the Pop Idol final alongside Darius and Gareth Gates. Sharing a throwback photo of the pair together, Will wrote: “For the past few days my thoughts have been with Darius's family and will continue to be so.

Pop Idol winner Will Young has broken his silence after the tragic passing of Darius Campbell Danesh aged 41.

Darius Campbell Danesh was close friends with fellow Scots actor Gerard Butler before his untimely death aged 41.

Darius Campbell Danesh.The pair competed together in the first ever series of Pop Idol broadcast in 2001 on ITV with Will going onto win the entire competition whilst Darius came 3rd in the competition being eliminated in week 8 of the live finals.But after Darius was found to be unresponsive in his Massachusetts apartment and died shortly after, aged just 41-years-old, Will stayed mostly silent on social media in the immediate aftermath of his tragic passing.READ MORE: Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman chokes up over death of friend Darius Campbell Danesh But now, Will has finally opened up on social media with a touching message for his fellow Pop Idol finalist.Sharing a polaroid photo of the pair smiling and laughing from 2001, Will wrote a touching essay for his competitor whom he praised as "courageous and gentle".He wrote: "For the past few days my thoughts have been with Darius's family and will continue to be so. I found this picture a while ago taken during Pop Idol."The Evergreen hitmaker continued: "If there was ever an example of not giving up on your dreams then Darius is top of the pile.