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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Harry Rutter

Darius Danesh's hit Colourblind soars to No. 1 on iTunes hours after star’s tragic death

It topped the charts in August 2002, and now Darius Campbell Danesh’s Colourblind is back at number one following his tragic death.

The pop hit was number one 20 years ago and now it’s back at the top spot in the iTunes charts after the singer died aged 41.

Fans have branded it a “freaky coincidence” that the Pop Idol star’s song would reach the top spot once again two decades later.

“Number 1 in the uk charts 20 years ago today and back at number 1 in the iTunes Charts today! So so sad,” Tweeted one fan who shared the news.

Darius' hit Colourblind is topping the charts once again (Video Grabs)

The singer and West End star was found dead in his US apartment, his family confirmed earlier this evening.

“Seeing Darius at number one on iTunes is making me weirdly emotional,” said another fan.

Replying to the revelation that the chart-topping success comes exactly 20 years after it first hit the UK top 40, another fan said: “Wow that really is a freaky coincidence isn’t it! #RIPDarius”

Darius saw success when he came third on Pop Idol behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in 2002.

He famously declined an offer from music tycoon Simon Cowell to sign a record deal and instead worked on Colourblind himself with a music producer.

He turned down a record offer from Simon Cowell (Getty Images)
That didn't stop him seeing major music success anyway (Sami Drasin/NBC via Getty Images)

It was a UK number one and his album Dive In also ranked in the UK top 10.

Celebrity friends filled social media with heart-wrenching tributes to the popstar tonight – with Gareth Gates and Simon Cowell penning touching messages.

"I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well,” said talent show judge Simon. “He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.”

He added: “His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”

Celebrities, family and friends have paid tribute to Darius (The People)

Gareth has also paid tribute to his "big brother" Darius who he joined on Pop Idol.

"I can’t quite believe the news of my dear friend Darius passing. I’m heartbroken," Gareth told The Sun.

"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."

His family confirmed the tragic news this evening (daily record)
They released an emotional statement to the press (Archive)

Darius' family announced his tragic 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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