Darius Campbell Danesh found dead in US apartment - tributes to Pop Idol singer and West End star

Former Pop Idol contestant Darius Campbell Danesh has been found dead in his apartment in the United States, his family announced.

The singer appeared on the talent show in 2003, finishing third behind Will Young and Gareth Gates, who both went on to achieve great success.

In a statement his family said: “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.