West End Theatre star Darius Campbell Danesh dies aged 41

The family of West End star Darius Campbell Danesh have announced that the actor and singer has been found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota in the US on 11 August 2022. He was 41.

The former Pop Idol contestant became 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.

Born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and Iranian father, Campbell Danesh first appeared on talent format Popstars two decades ago before finishing third in the first ever UK Pop Idol on ITV behind Will Young and Gareth Gates, winning over fans on a hit format that put him on the map.

Campbell Danesh then found fame as a West End Star, appearing in the likes of Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Funny Girl and Gone with the Wind. In 2017, he nearly died after drinking sewage water from the River Thames and contracting meningitis.

A statement from the 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.

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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.”

The cause of death is currently unknown.

Originally from Scotland, Darius was a singer-songwriter and an actor, who came to fame in 2001 appearing in ITV’s Popstars, and also in Pop Idol. In May 2010 he won the first series of ITV’s Popstar to Operastar.

He followed up with a number one single, Colourblind, and his debut album Dive made the UK album top 10. He released another album, Live Twice, in 2004.

He was previously married to actress Natasha Henstridge.He married Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge in 2011 and they divorced two years later.