Loose Women viewers were quick to positively shares messages about Gareth Gates as he made a rare TV appearance on the ITV lunchtime show. The singer, who shot to fame in 2002 while appearing on Pop Idol, spoke about the recent shock loss of Darius Campbell Danesh who appeared on the same series.
While Gareth finished runner-up in the show, Darius finished in third place to eventual winner Will Young. In August Darius was found dead in his US apartment, in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 41. The singer and actor died from “inhalation of chloroethane”, the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed, with his death ruled an accident by the medical examiner.
His family later said that he was "suffering from chronic neck pain following a car accident in 2010", as they thanked everyone for their "love and kindness" following his death.
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Following the end of their time in the singing competition, which led the way for the likes of The X Factor, Gareth and Darius stayed in touch and Gareth has now revealed that they spoke just two weeks before Darius' tragic death.
Speaking on Friday's episode of Loose Women with Kaye Adams, Frankie Bridge, Linda Robson, and Nadia Sawalha, Gareth recalled of Darius: "He was always like a big brother to me. I was a very young, shy boy on Pop Idol and he always took me under his wing."
Asked about the shock of his death, Gareth commented: "We spoke literally two weeks before he passed, about the show he was about to do. It hit me hard. He was a really lovely man, he had a massive heart and it’s just extremely sad."
Shortly after Darius' death was announced, Gareth paid tribute in a touching Instagram post. Alongside a picture of them both, the 38-year-old 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."
While on the show, Gareth also chatted about his role in Panto this year and how his daughter Missy, 13, is also following in his footsteps. H e said of the teen: "She's all singing, all dancing. She definitely wants to end up in the industry."
But the panel couldn't believe that Gareth was old enough to have a teenage daughter, with Nadia commenting: " You know what you actually don't look old enough to have a 13-year-old." As Kaye told her co-star to 'steady', Nadia continued to gush: "I mean how hot is he looking. In make-up I was like wow."
And Loose Women viewers were soon sharing a similar remark on social media. @Joshlovesit87 tweeted: "Bless Gareth Gates he’s still such a sweet guy 20 years on. #LooseWomen." @kevlaa132 commented: "Gareth Gates seems like a nice guy. Don’t know why I’m watching #LooseWomen, I thought the football was on."
@SallyPrice4 posted: "Beloved legend Gareth Gates...20 years since #PopIdol beautiful handsome fella Xxxxx #LooseWomen." @bestchester276 shared: "I like Gareth Gates and admire him for dealing with his stammer #LooseWomen." And echoing Nadia, @Howitis345 added: "Gareth hasn't aged #LooseWomen."
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