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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Susan Knox

Darius Campbell Danesh: Gerard Butler leads mourners at Glasgow funeral of Pop Idol star

Gerard Butler led mourners in saying a final goodbye to Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh as he was laid to rest in Glasgow.

Darius was tragically found dead in his US apartment on August 11.

His cause of death remains unknown.

A statement 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 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.

Darius Campbell Danesh passed away age 41 (Getty Images)

"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."

Following his tragic death, Darius was laid to rest today with an intimate funeral in his hometown, Glasgow.

Around 100 mourners gathered to pay their respects to the Pop Idol star as he was laid to rest.

A lone piper played one of Darius' favourite songs, Caledonia, during the procession.

His close friend and Hollywood star Gerard Butler was among the 100 mourners to say goodbye to Darius at the service in Glasgow.

Darius' funeral took place at Bearsden Cross Parish Church (FACEBOOK)

The Ugly Truth star, 52, previously paid tribute to his fellow Scot as he called Darius 'a true brother in arms'.

Gerard said of his late friend: "My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus.

"To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life.

"He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist – nor would they want to!!! He was an incredible talent, a singer whose voice touched your soul and an actor with great presence.

"But, most importantly, he had the heart of a lion. It was bigger and brighter than the sun and an energy so contagious he could light up a room in seconds."

Darius enjoyed a successful music career after his Pop Idol stint (Youtube)

Comedian Omid Djalili also paid tribute to Pop Idol star Darius as he shared details of his intimate funeral today.

"Funeral today in Bearsden, Glasgow for Darius Campbell Danesh. Such a lovely talented man gone way too soon," he penned.

"People were always taken aback by how much of a true gentleman he was. God bless his soul. Rest in peace my brother."

Darius was last pictured with Hollywood pal Gerard Butler in Malibu as he took a dog for a walk, just weeks before he died.

The friends were photographed barefoot as they hung out near Gerard's home.

Darius was close friend's with Gerard Butler (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor - who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 - also appeared on the first Pop Idol, which was won by Will Young.

After his successful stint in Pop Idol, he was offered a record deal by Simon Cowell - which he turned down in favour of working with producer Steve Lillywhite.

He went on to forge a successful stage career, appearing in Chicago as Billy Flynn in two runs of the production, as well as Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and more in the West End.

Rest in peace, Darius.

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