TV and music stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to singer Darius Danesh, who has died at the age of 41.
The popular singer and actor from Scotland was found dead at his US apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, his family have confirmed.
And long-time ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, was one of the first to share her sincerest condolences, Tweeting: "This is really sad. Thoughts with his family and friends and everyone who loved him. A really good bloke - funny and kind and very talented."
Read more: Former Pop Idol singer Darius Danesh tragically found dead aged just 41
The Mirror reports that Michelle Heaton also shared her sadness, writing: "So sad … thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney." X Factor star Rylan Clarke, added: "Proper sad about Darius," Tweeting with a love heart emoji.
Friend Tanya Tate also posted a heart-warming tribute on the platform, sharing a selfie of the pair together. She wrote: "I am so heart broken, an amazing very dear friend Darius Danesh has passed away. He introduced me to mediation, to believing all things are possible, he was an inspirational mentor and friend.
"RIP Darius, your spirit will continue to soar."
Fellow popstar Jessica Pietersen from Liberty X also penned a tribute via social media, writing: "I’m so sad. Darius was only 41. He was an absolute gentleman & 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."
TV presenter Nicki Chapman took to Instagram to share her kind words with the recently deceased singer, penning: "Devastating news. There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh. A beautiful man both inside and out. A true gent with a kind soul and mischievous tinkle in his eye.
"Whenever we saw each other over the years, it was always a joy. From that eventful first audition on Popstars and then Pop Idol, to him kindly inviting me to see him perform on the West End stage. And that platinum selling album? Of course! He was right. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Darius came third on 2002's edition of Pop Idol, shortly behind winner Will Young and runner-up Gareth Gates. He then went on to lead his musical success in the West End, performing major shows like Chicago and Guys and Dolls - all after hitting number one in the UK singles charts with hit Colourblind.
His album Dive In also reached the UK top 10.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” his family 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 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.”
Read next:
- Fear of yet more 'devastating' cuts to North East bus routes as leaders plead for new funding
- Lib Dems claim notorious Newcastle junction that cost £4m to redesign is now 'much more dangerous'
- Metro passengers urged to get ready for three-month shutdown of South Shields line starting soon
- Plea to scrap 'unfair' levy charging Newcastle pubs, bars and clubs up to £4,400 to open after midnight
- New £22m Newcastle leisure centre approved in 'huge boost' for outer west communities
