Darius Campbell Danesh

Darius Campbell Danesh has died (Pictures: Getty / Rex)

Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh has died aged 41.

He was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, his family said, and his cause of decease remains unknown.

A statement from his family 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 law section accept confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden expiry is unknown at this phase while medical examinations continue.

'We inquire that you lot kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this fourth dimension whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.'

Tributes accept poured in for the late star, including from Lorraine Kelly, Sanjeev Bhaskar, and Rylan Clark.

The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor, who was born in Glasgow, rose to fame when he appeared on Popstars in 2001 (under the name Darius Danesh) with a performance of Britney Spears' Babe One More than Time that would go down in TV history.

Campbell Danesh then appeared on the first series of Pop Idol in 2002, which was won by Will Young, performing songs including Atomic Kitten's Whole Once again.

He reached the finals of the contest, turning down an offering from Simon Cowell and signing a bargain with producer Steve Lillywhite.

Editorial use only. No book publishing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock (836529hl) 'Pop Idol' - Darius Danesh. 'Pop Idol' TV - 2001 - 2002 -

Campbell Danesh on Popular Idol in 2002 (Motion picture: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)

Editorial use only. No book publishing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock (836529hx) 'Pop Idol' - Will Young, Darius Danesh, Gareth Gates. 'Pop Idol' TV - 2001 - 2002 -

Campbell Danesh with fellow Pop Idol stars, winner Will Immature (L) and Gareth Gates (Moving-picture show: Fremantle Media/Male monarch/Shutterstock)

Editorial use only. No book publishing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock (836529hh) 'Pop Idol' - Darius Danesh. 'Pop Idol' TV - 2001 - 2002 -

Tributes have poured in for the belatedly star (Picture: Fremantle Media/King/Shutterstock)

Campbell Danesh'south debut unmarried, Colourblind, was released in 2002 and shot straight to number one in the Great britain. He went on to release his debut album, Dive In.

Overall, he achieved five top ten singles in the UK nautical chart.

In addition to his popular career, Campbell Danesh was an accomplished theatre role player, starring as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind and Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl.

Campbell Danesh also wrote a book virtually his time in the music manufacture titled Sink Or Swim. Published in 2003, it became a Dominicus Times bestseller.

DARIUS DANESH , BLUE AND GUESTS PERFORMING AT THE McAlpine Stadium,(Re-named Galpharm Stadium) HUDDERSFIELD, BRITAIN - 31 JUL 2004...Mandatory Credit: Photo By MARK CAMPBELL / REX FEATURES Darius Danesh BLUE AND GUESTS PERFORMING AT THE McAlpine Stadium,(Re-named Galpharm Stadium) HUDDERSFIELD, BRITAIN - 31 JUL 2004

Campbell Danesh performing in 2004 (Picture: King/SHUTTERSTOCK)

Darius Campbell Danesh

He rose to fame in the 2000s (Picture show: Gisela Schober/Getty Images)

Darius Campbell Danesh

Campbell Danesh was an accomplished theatre star (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Darius Danesh

Danesh Campbell besides released his megahit Colourblind in 2002, which shot to number one (Flick: Getty Images Europe)

In 2010, he won an ITV competition called Popstar to Operastar, in which he was trained to sing opera aslope other musicians including Vanessa White and Danny Jones.

Campbell Danesh also took on on-screen acting roles, playing himself in an episode of Hollyoaks and invitee starring in the BBC show Hotel Babylon.

In 2011, Campbell Danesh married Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, who starred in productions including Species, Maximum Risk and The Whole 9 Years, at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

After announcing their separation ii years later on their nuptials, their divorce was finalised in 2018.

Tributes have come in for the late star, including from actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, who remembered his appearance on his evidence The Kumars at No.42.

'Sad news of Darius' shockingly untimely passing. He was a invitee on The Kumars and couldn't have been a nicer, warmer guest with a groovy sense of self deprecation,' he wrote.

Rylan Clark added: 'Proper deplorable about Darius.'

Lorraine Kelly said: 'This is really sad. Thoughts with his family and friends and anybody who loved him. A really good bloke – funny and kind and very talented.'

DJ Adele Roberts added: 'This is so distressing. Thinking of Darius' family unit and friends.'

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