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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Calderwood

Darius based his Chicago role on Simon Cowell when he starred opposite Ugly Betty star

Darius Campbell Danesh previously based his portrayal of Chicago's Billy Flynn on former mentor Simon Cowell.

The 41-year-old Scottish singer and West End star tragically died last week after being found dead at his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota.

During his career, Darius appeared in a number of musical theatre productions - including Chicago alongside Ugly Betty star America Ferrera.

The former Pop Idol star took on the role of scheming lawyer Flynn, while America portrayed Roxie Hart at the Garrick Theatre in London.

Shortly after taking on the role in 2011, Darius revealed that he based his character on music mogul Simon whilst rehearsing for the hit musical.

Darius Campbell Danesh based his Chicago character on Simon Cowell (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)
The singer played Billy Flynn in the London production (Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)

The pair had appeared on Pop Idol together back in 2002, with Syco boss Simon in the judging seat as Darius impressed with his vocal talents.

Speaking about his character, Darius previously explained: "He’s the consummate businessman and a wonderful guy and there’s a lot of Simon Cowell in Billy Flynn in terms of the way he approaches things and I recognise that in terms of the character."

The musician went on to credit Simon for persuading him to take on the role.

He added: "I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and all the opportunities that it opened up and to be able to call Simon Cowell a friend and to be able to have dinner with him."

It comes after Simon, 62, called Darius' death an 'absolute tragedy' in a gushing tribute.

Darius and Simon worked together on Pop Idol (Getty)

Paying tribute, Simon 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."

The 41-year-old star was found dead at his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, his family have confirmed. He died on August 11, but no cause of death has yet been revealed.

Darius' devastated family confirmed the tragic news of his death in a statement, revealing that he had died 'suddenly' but that the exact cause is not yet known. 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.

Darius starred opposite Ugly Betty star America in Chicago (PA)
The pair were cast in the hit musical back in 2011 (Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)

"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."

Tributes have flooded in for the former Pop Idol singer following the shock news of his untimely death.

His ex-wife Natasha Henstridge shared her own emotional words as she quoted Mother Theresa in her heartbreaking tribute.

Despite the pair being divorced, Natasha showed her on-going love for the star as she shared a string of sweet photos of the pair in the now deleted post.

The actress captioned her post: "I have found the paradox that is you love until it hurts. there can be no more hurt- Only more love -Mother Theresa. There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam."

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