Danesh came third on Pop Idol behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in 2002
Darius Danesh, who rose to fame on ITV talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol, has died at the age of 41, his family has announced.
Danesh came third on Pop Idol behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in 2002 before reaching number one in the UK later that year with Colourblind. His album, Dive, reached the top 10.
The Scot became a household name thanks to his rendition of Britney Spears Hit Me Baby One More Time and went on to become a West End star, appearing in musicals like Chicago and the Oliver Award-winning Guys and Dolls.
RIP Darius Danesh. I'd forgotten this moment, but it's iconic and one of the first viral reality show auditions? https://t.co/UvYncbaskH
— Adam Bloodworth (@Adamzx) August 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/laurajsxoxo/status/1559567264810147843
Danesh was found dead in his US apartment on August 11, his family announced on Tuesday, according to a report by the BBC.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” they said in a statement.
“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 family said police had confirmed there were “no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances”.
“The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.”
Danesh’s family asked for privacy as they grieve: “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.”
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