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Kerri-Ann Roper & Craig Williams

Darius Campbell Danesh tributes pour in following death of Glasgow singer and actor

Tributes have poured in from across the world of music and theatre following the death of Darius Campbell Danesh.

The former Pop Idol contestant and theatre star was found dead in his US apartment at the age of 41, his family announced. The singer and actor was found dead in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 - although the cause of death remains unknown.

Campbell Danesh was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and Iranian father. The eldest of three boys, he attended Bearsden Primary School and Glasgow Academy before going on to study English literature and philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.

READ MORE: Glasgow performer Darius Campbell Danesh found dead as family confirm Pop Idol star's passing

After learning of his passing, Glasgow Academy tweeted: ""We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former pupil Darius Campbell Danesh (Class of 1998). The thoughts and condolences of everyone at The Glasgow Academy are with Darius' family and friends at this very sad time."

Although he found fame as Darius Danesh, he later changed his name to incorporate his mother Avril's maiden name, Campbell, after an emotional visit to his grandfather in a Paisley nursing home made him reflect on his Scottish heritage.

He became a supporter of cancer charities including Cancer Research UK after both his parents were diagnosed with cancer and recovered. This included The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, who paid their own tribute to the 41-year-old.

The former Pop Idol contestant and theatre star was found dead in his US apartment at the age of 41. (Alpha)

The Princes & Princess of Wales Hospice tweeted: "Everyone at Glasgow's Hospice is devastated at the sad news of Darius Campbell Danesh's sudden death. Darius has been a friend to the hospice and a huge support over past years. Our sympathies are with his family."

Campbell Danesh was a well-known theatre star, performing in West End musicals including Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Funny Girl with Sheridan Smith, Gone With the Wind, Here To Eternity and more.

Theatres up and down the country have also paid their own tribute following his passing, with Birmingham Hippodrome tweeting: "We are incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh, who starred on our stage in Funny Girl back in 2017. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Joining them were Wolverhampton Grand, who tweeted: "We are incredibly sad to hear that Darius Campbell Danesh has passed away. Darius lit up our stage in the 2017 production of Funny Girl and won the hearts of staff, audiences and everyone he met."

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And his fellow actors also joined in paying tribute to the Glasgow-born star.

Liberty X member Michelle Heaton, who also competed on Popstars, tweeted: "So sad... thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney."

West End actress and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher wrote on Twitter: "This is such sad news" and shared a broken heart emoji.

English-born actor Matthew Marsden described the news as "truly heartbreaking". He added: "I first met Darius when he auditioned for the Big Breakfast weather man years ago. He was a terrific human being. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

And Simon Cowell also paid tribute. In a statement given to the PA news agency, the former Pop Idol judge 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."

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