DARIUS can't wait to get back in the studio to work on his third album now his stint on the West End stage is coming to an end.

The former Pop Idol contestant, who has been playing Billy Flynn in the stage musical Chicago, is desperate to get stuck into his next music production in coming months.

He said: "I finish my stint in Chicago in two weeks and I 'm looking forward to writing some new songs for my third album.

"It has all been going well and things are starting to come together in my head."

The six-foot-four smoothie, who already has albums Dive

In and Live Twice under his belt, will be watched by his parents, Avril and Booth, for the final performance on February 11, before heading Stateside to work on new material.

And he claims he has written some songs with a jazzy feel for the latest release.

"For album No.3 I'll be going to Los Angeles and concentrating on my song writing," Darius told the Razz.

"I'm flying there to start on something else and it's going to be a new chapter for me."

His second album concentrated on his father's battle with cancer, so Darius believes the new material will have a different feel to it.

The 25-year-old said: "So much has happened and since then I've been lucky to have experienced a lot in such a short time. My songs will reflect that.

"There are so many great artists pushing boundaries and opening ears to different sounds and I find it inspiring to dip into their sound scape."

Darius has been enjoying treading the boards in his lead role at the Adelphi Theatre in London. And he admits he was thrilled when producers asked him to stay on and extend his original contract with the show. He said: "I was originally contracted until January and they asked me to stay for an extra four weeks.

"I've been very fortunate with the twists and turns that I've gone through in my life. I get a buzz out of every night, giving and learning a lot from other performers who have filled the show.

"I really feel a lot of respect for these people who are phenomenally fit and have real dedication."

He is now looking forward to catching up with his Hollywood actress girlfriend Natasha Henstridge, who is currently starring in Commander-in-Chief, American television's hottest new drama.

But he insists they are not engaged, despite recent reports to the contrary.

He said: "That was a rumour. It's incorrect.

"Things are going really well though."