Darius Campbell Danesh: Simon Cowell and Gareth Gates pay tribute to late Pop Idol star

Source of image, Getty Images

Simon Cowell led the hom mages to Pop Idol and West End star Darius Campbell Danesh, calling his death at 41 an "absolute tragedy".

Cowell was a judge on the show on which Campbell Danesh finished third in 2002, behind Gareth Gates and winner Will Young in the inaugural series.

"I first saw Darius at television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well," Cowell said.

"He was charismatic and funny and everything just a great person."

Cowell added, "His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family. and his friends."

Image source, Getty Images

The cause of death is not known but his family said he was found in his US apartment.

Gates has describes Campbell Danesh as a "big brother" who "took me under his wing" during their time together on the show.

In a post on Instagram, he added, "She was one of the most beautiful, smartest, sweetest souls I've ever had the chance to know, a soul that lit up every room."