Scottish singer and actor Darius Campbell Danesh died mysteriously just weeks before the long-awaited “Pop Idol” reunion in Rochester, Minnesota. The singer first gained notoriety for his rendition of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” during the first season of the British singing competition program “Pop Stars.” He made an appearance on “Pop Idol” the following year, where he finished third, giving him his real shot at fame. On August 11, the “Colorblind” singer was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota.
According to Variety, “an open investigation” is being conducted into Darius’ death by the Rochester Police Department. According to The Sun, the 41-year-old was due to return to the UK in a few weeks for a Thames TV ‘Pop Idol’ reunion special at the Criterion Theater in London’s West End, the venue for the show’s first auditions. Reportedly, he intended to reunite with Adam Lambert, the lead singer of Queen who had just won “American Idol.”
the insider reported, “He was in negotiations with producers to join the reunion because he was so eager to be there. They planned to start filming by the end of September. Ant and Dec were set to host the hour-and-a-half special, which would be full of fond memories for the millions of Pop Idol fans. When I recently chatted with Darius, he was cheerful and in good spirits.
Darius Campbell’s ex-wife Natasha Henstridge is at a loss for words after the singer’s death
“Cause of death unknown”
According to the BBC, Darius’ family issued an official statement, which read: “We regret to inform you of the death of Darius Campbell Danesh. On August 11, Darius was discovered unconscious in bed at his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota. The local medical examiners office later pronounced him dead. It was determined by the local police department that there were no indications of malice or unusual circumstances. His unexpected death has no known cause at this time, but inquests into his health are ongoing. In order to give us the time we need to process the devastating death of our son and brother, we politely ask that you respect our need for privacy at this time. The Scottish singer and actor’s death does not appear to be the result of foul play or bizarre circumstances, according to law enforcement officials, who were awaiting toxicology results.
Natasha Henstridge, Darius’ ex-wife, is speechless over the singer’s unexpected passing. On Tuesday August 16, the 48-year-old Canadian actress, who was married to the musician from 2011 to 2018, posted a series of tearful photos of him on her Instagram. The messages disappeared from his account. “I discovered the paradox that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more harm – only more love,” she told the Daily Mail. She went on to say, “Darius there is nothing but Love Love Love. Always Janam.
The couple started dating in 2004, married in 2011, then filed for divorce the following year. The couple tried to get back together, but it didn’t last long and they divorced in 2018. Darius previously told the Scottish Herald: “Without a doubt, this partnership has had its ups and downs. We separated several times during our 12-year relationship and sometimes spent six months apart.
“Darius was a much-loved and memorable part of the ‘Popstars’ and ‘Pop Idol’ series, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time,” ITV, the network that aired “Pop Stars and “Pop Idol,” the programs that essentially shaped Darius’ career, said in a statement. Following the success of his albums and angles on the UK charts, he continued to perform in West End productions such as “Chicago”, in which he shared a stage with America Ferrera, “Funny Girl”, in which he shared a stage with Sheridan Smith and “Guys and Dolls”. He was last seen in June accompanying Hollywood star Gerard Butler to the beach in Malibu.
Simon Cowell recalled the performer and the Daily Mail that “Darius and I became good friends after first watching him on TV over 20 years ago. He was endearing, witty and it was just a pleasure to be with him. His passing is a terrible tragedy, especially for someone so young, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
