Tributes have poured in following the devastating news that Darius Campbell Danesh has passed away.
The Colourblind singer was found dead in his apartment in Minnesota, his family confirmed.
The Glasgow born singer rose to fame after appearing on ITV's Popstars and a year later was voted through to the final of Pop Idol along with Will Young and Gareth Gates.
READ MORE- Glasgow performer Darius Campbell Danesh found dead as family confirm Pop Idol star's passing
After turning down Simon Cowell's record deal, Darius signed with Steve Lillywhite and wrote and recorded Colourblind which hit number one in the UK charts for two weeks.
It was announced this morning that the single hit number one on the iTunes music chart. He went on two record two albums and in 2005 took to the stage at the West End adding performances in Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Funny Girl and more to his repertoire.
Leading the tributes, Simon said: "I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well.
“He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.
“His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”
His ex-wife Natasha Henstridge has also broken her silence, posting a string of photos from when the pair were together.
She wrote: "I have found the paradox that is you love until it hurts. there can be no more hurt- Only more love -Mother Theresa.
"There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam."
Darius and Natasha started dating in 2004 after he had moved to the US and the couple tied the knot with him in 2011. They split two years later before finalising their divorce in 2018.
Natasha shared a series of photos, among them was one of the pair taking in a glorious sunset on a beach, while another shot showed the pair with Natasha's two sons, whom Darius was the stepfather to. She also posted a photo from their wedding as they posed with their hands in the shape of love hearts.
Meanwhile, Nicki Chapman, Popstar judge shared his heartbreak, and wrote on social media: "There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh.
"A true gent with a kind soul and mischievous tinkle in his eye. From that eventful first audition on Popstars to him kindly inviting me to see him perform on the West End stage
"Thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Gareth Gates quickly took to Instagram with a heartfelt post, adding that Darius was like a big brother.
He wrote: "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 x"
Singer and actress Michelle Heaton, who appeared on Popstars alongside Darius, wrote: "So sad … thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney," referring to his first audition singing Hit Me Baby by Britney Spears on Popstars.
And her Liberty X bandmate Jessica Pietersen added: "I’m so sad. Darius was only 41."
"He was an absolute gentleman and I know all of us who did Popstars with him will remember him with huge fondness.
"He had a way of bringing us all together & had such a natural warmth about him. Rest in peace lovely man."
"This is really sad. Thoughts with his family and friends and everyone who loved him," Lorraine Kelly wrote.
She added: "A really good bloke – funny and kind and very talented."
Darius' family announced his death in an emotional statement on Tuesday, which 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."
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