County Durham's Zoe Birkett pays tribute to former Pop Idol co-star Darius Danesh
msn.comsocial media to share her condolences. Read more: Lorraine Kelly and Rylan lead Darius Danesh tributes as Pop Idol star dies just 41Taking to Twitter, the Consett-born singer and actress, wrote: "Still processing the new of Darius’s death, a big brother to all of us in popidol.
I’ll always remember his wonderful warm tall hugs and his words of wisdom. A huge part of my life and you were there during a time I needed you most and I’ll forever be grateful for you that night [Love heart emoji]. "Alongside the touching and heartfelt message was a picture of Zoe, Will, and Darius - all embracing and smiling.
In 2002, Zoe finished fourth on the first ever series of Pop Idol, behind the show's winner Will Young, runner-up Gareth Gates and third-place Darius Danesh.
She was also the highest placing female contestant on the show. After the show, she went on to tour as a warm-up act on Will and Gareth's tours - performing in front of 18,000 people.
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