Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have broken their silence following the tragic death of Darius Campbell Danesh.
The Scottish singer was found dead in his apartment in Minnesota on August 11, his family announced in a statement on Tuesday evening. His cause of death remains unknown.
Darius found fame on reality TV shows Popstars and Pop Idol in the earlier 00s – finishing third behind Gareth Gates and winner Will Young.
TV duo Ant and Dec, both 46, had co-hosted the talent show Pop Idol which saw Darius rise to fame.
And Darius even appeared on an episode of their joint entertainment show Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
Writing on Twitter on Wednesday, former Pop Idol hosts Ant and Dec said: "We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh at such a tragically young age.
"We had many laughs with him on his Pop Idol journey. Our hearts go out to his lovely family. #RIP."
The TV hosts join a flurry of stars who have shared tributes to Darius following the sad news of his passing, including the former Pop Idol judge Peter Waterman.
Pete, 75, appeared on the ITV programme Good Morning Britain on Wednesday to describe Darius as a "true, true gentleman in every sense of the word".
He said: "He had a record career, then he was on the stage, then he took up opera, then he was making films. He was all over the place. It was quite incredible and he really was a fabulous person."
Meanwhile, Darius' Pop Idol rival Gareth said he was "heartbroken" by the Colourblind singer's passing.
He said in a statement: "I can’t quite believe the news of my dear friend Darius passing. I’m heartbroken.
"Darius took me under his wing during our time in Pop Idol, like a big brother; always looking out for me and for that I thank you my friend.
"I will miss our chats. He was one of the most beautiful, intelligent and gentle souls I was lucky enough to know, a soul that lit up every room.
"Goodbye my friend. Forever in my heart."
It comes after Darius' family announced the Pop Idol star's death in a statement on Tuesday. It read: "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 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.
"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."
