Simon Cowell has remembered former Pop Idol contestant and theatre star Darius Campbell Danesh as “charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with” following the singer’s death aged 41.
In a statement, the former Pop Idol judge 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.”
Getty ImagesCowell, 62, was a judge on the ITV singing competition show in 2001 during Campbell Danesh’s time as a contestant.
The singer of number one hit Colourblind was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11, after police were called.
The cause of his death remains unknown.
News of his death prompted tributes from the worlds of music, film and television.
Presenter and former member of Hear’Say Myleene Klass has paid tribute to “talented” singer Darius Campbell Danesh.
Along with a link to a video of Campbell Danesh performing, the 44-year-old tweeted: “Everyone should watch this performance. Darius, you were so talented, so kind. A true family man. My thoughts are with them now.x”
Klass rose to fame on singing competition show Popstars, on which Campbell Danesh also starred.
Liberty X member Jessica Taylor, whose group was formed on Popstars, tweeted: “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 and radio presenter Nicki Chapman has paid tribute to “true gent” Darius Campbell Danesh following his death.
Chapman, 55, who was a judge on Popstars while Campbell Danesh was a contestant on the show in 2001, tweeted: “There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh.
“A true gent with a kind soul & 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.”
Chapman was later a judge on music competition series Pop Idol, on which Campbell Danesh also starred.
English singer and member of pop group Liberty X Michelle Heaton has paid tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh after it was announced he has died aged 41.
The 43-year-old, tweeted: “So sad … thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney.”
Heaton found fame on singing competition show Popstars, on which Campbell Danesh also starred.
Responding to the death of Darius Campbell Danesh, West End actress and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher tweeted: “This is such sad news.”
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