Serenading

The pop star will be appearing as himself and performing his latest single ‘Girl in the Moon’, as the headline band at the Hollyoaks Community College graduation ball. He’ll be serenading Izzy, Becca, Adam and Tony in a romantic finale to the student celebration due to appear onscreen on Friday July 4.

Fun

“It was great fun filming the episode,” crooned Darius, “ and also quite strange to be surrounded by so many familiar faces! I was at Edinburgh University before finishing my final year and taking part in ‘Pop Idol’, so I remember my own graduation ball – I loved being a student!”

Madness

As you might expect, things won’t go smoothly for Darius and they’ll be some patented HOLLYOAKS madness on hand in the form of Tony Hutchinson. “Tony – as usual – acts very strangely,” revealed Nick Pickard his real life alter-ego. “He is quite in awe at first, then manages to ask for an autograph. He’s not really the suave, sophisticated business man he likes to think he is, and he certainly can’t hold the sort of attention that heart-throb Darius can!”

So make sure you don’t miss Darius hitting the high notes … in HOLLYOAKS!

CARING pop idol Darius Danesh has been taking time out of his hectic superstar lifestyle to make secret visits to his sick grandpa at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The 22-year-old singer - who shot to the top of the charts with his debut single, Colourblind - nips in to the ward to see his grandfather, Colin Campbell, as often as he can.

And he has struck a chord with staff, patients and other visitors at the Paisley hospital because of his dazzling smile, cheeky good looks and modest charm.

Yesterday, one hospital worker told the Paisley Daily Express: "Darius is just lovely.

"He really seems to be a family man, and we see him arriving to visit his grandpa quite often.

"He's obviously really busy, but this just goes to show he knows the importance of family.

"We all look forward to seeing him in the hospital."

Darius - whose mum Avril is a doctor in Johnstone - has been spotted visiting Colin in the RAH with his brother.

One source revealed: "He comes during the evening visiting session, and sits with his grandpa for the whole hour if he can. "I heard that somebody in the ward approached him and asked for his autograph, and he was really shy about it. "He laughed and said: 'What, me?'

"He's just a really quiet, unassuming guy."

Darius first became a household name when he was booted out of the TV show Popstars after a cringe-worthy rendition of Britney Spears' Baby One More Time.

But at the end of 2001, he took another crack at stardom by trying out for Pop Idol - a series designed to find a talented new solo star.

At that time, the Paisley Daily Express exclusively revealed how John Barclay - his grandpa's local newsagent in Renfrew - was handing out leaflets encouraging customers to vote for Darius in the competition.

And the campaign paid off.

For the corny crooner - who reinvented himself by cutting his long hair and shaving off his goatee beard - came a close third, behind winner Will Young and runner-up Gareth Gates.

And he has had a string of top hits since, including a number one with his debut single, Colourblind.

Yesterday, a spokesperson for the singer said: "The matter of Darius's grandfather being ill is a private one, and he does not wish to discuss it."

Comeback king Darius says his new single was inspired by the fans who stood by him when he was struggling to hit the big time.

He told CBBC Newsround's website at Birmingham's Box Live gig that Girl In The Moon is "about the idea that we have all got a guardian angel".

"I'm lucky because I've got a whole bunch of them," added Darius, who has just finished a sell-out tour even though he was booted out of both Popstars and Pop Idol.

"People always ask me why I came back and what got me through - this song is about that.

"I turned my life around because the public gave me the support to pursue my dream."

Special thanks

Darius has been thanking his fans by inviting one of them on stage when he performs the song.

Darius sang to eight-year-old Julia from Kenilworth at the Box Live gig in Birmingham on Thursday.

"It was brilliant - I couldn't believe it," said Julia.

Her mum revealed Julia had been praying that Darius would pick her.

Looks like her prayer was answered!

Shocked schoolgirl Clare Jepson was open-mouthed when the stars of TV’s Blue Peter turned up to do a live show at her home - and pop star Darius treated her to a private gig in her garden.

The 10-year-old was nominated for the surprise by her best pal Rachel Hollinrake.

Yesterday’s show was beamed live from Clare’s back garden in Rochester Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, and it included Pop Idol singer Darius performing his new single, Girl In The Moon.

Rachel, also 10, of Dawlish Drive, Styvechale, Coventry, sent in an e-mail nominating Clare for the amazing treat. But they heard nothing more and thought they had missed out.

What they didn’t know was that the show’s producers and researchers had been in contact with Clare’s parents to set up the surprise.

Just hours before the broadcast, they were told that something big was coming. Clare had to wear a blindfold which was only removed when she was in front of the cameras.

Clare, a pupil at Earlsdon Primary School, said: “I didn’t think it would be as good as this. I thought it would be some sort of party, because it is Rachel’s birthday soon.

“First I was blinded by light because they were filming me, and then I guess I went bright red. I’m feeling a bit more relaxed now, they have been kind.”

Singer Darius was only too happy to help make Clare’s day. He said: “I think it is amazing that they managed to fit the studio in here, isn’t it great?

“And what a wicked idea to surprise the girls and do it off the cuff. But enormous preparation has gone into this, I appreciate it after speaking to the producers. They have had to do it really secretly for it to work - but what a wonderful idea.”

There were worries the garden would not be suitable because of building work.

Clare’s dad, Andy Jepson, a systems engineer at Marconi, said: “They came to see us four weeks ago when the house was a total building site because we were having a garage and kitchen extension. Two weeks ago they came back to check our kitchen was usable.

“We were gobsmacked, it’s amazing what has happened. I still don’t believe it now. We are going to be talking about it for years.”

Rachel, who attends Bablake Junior School, said: “I sent the e-mail thinking there would be lots of them - I didn’t think it would win, but it did.”

The show was a first for the Blue Peter team. It was the first time that a whole programme has been beamed from a viewer’s house.

During the show Clare and Rachel helped presenter Matt Baker with an ice-cream recipe. They were also presented with Blue Peter badges, Clare getting a special silver one.

POP STARS reject Darius made this little girl's night when he serenaded her during an emotionally-charged concert in his home town.

The 22-year old heart-throb returned to the Clyde Auditorium less than a month since his last appearance as the Box Live tour rolled into town.

Five hundred voices filled the air as he ran onstage wearing his trademark kilt - and the smile on his face proved that when it comes to showbusiness there's nothing like a home crowd to make you feel like a superstar.

Charging through songs from his album Dive In, he paused to give one little girl a night to remember.

Hushing the crowd, Darius plucked the little eight-year-old, called Molly, from the crowd and sang his hit Colourblind to her.

Lemonscent and Girls Aloud had their own fans, but it was the Bearsden boy the Scottish crowd wanted to see - and they weren't disappointed.

Although the fans made plenty of noise, their singing and dancing couldn't disguise the row upon row of empty seats to the rear of the auditorium, and the promoters moved people towards the front of the arena to make the televised concert look as busy as possible.

POP hunk Darius proved he was a true Scotsman last night - when he flashed his credentials on stage.

The kilted singer didn't realise he was letting it all hang out when he went down on one knee to sing to a fan.

For the sake of decency, the Record have spared the strapping star's blushes by crossing out his blunder.

But our photographer was stunned by the eyeful.

He said: "I couldn't believe my eyes when I realised he was letting it all hang out.

"He would have been totally mortified if he'd known we could see everything."

Pop Idol finalist Darius, from Bearsden, Glasgow, had almost predicted his slip-up at the Box Live Tour concert at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium.

Speaking before the gig, sponsored by Skittles, he had boasted that he wore nothing under his kilt - but said he would keep himself to himself.

Darius said: "I'm a true Scot and that's why I'm keeping my legs together. You don't want to see my skittles."

He had been persuaded to don the tartan by a text vote held minutes before he headed on stage.

The fans overwhelmingly voted to see the heart-throb in his national dress rather than an open-necked shirt.

But his sudden exposure meant he even out-cheeked fellow performers The Cheeky Girls, who took to the stage in skimpy cheerleader outfits to sing their hits Touch My Bum and Take Your Shoes Off.

Also wowing the crowd were Popstar: The Rivals winners Girls Aloud, 888, Lemon- escent and ex-Five singer Abs.

But the impressive line-up failed to help the show sell out.

Organisers blamed recent appearances at the same venue by some of the acts.

Darius appeared at Hull Arena as part of the Box Live Summer Tour:

Headline act Darius Danesh loves his Grimsby fans - it's official!

The gorgeous Glaswegian had a special message for pop lovers who travelled from North East Lincolnshire.

He said; "The reaction from people in this area has been absolutely mind-blowing."

"It is breathtaking when I'm up on the stage, it's an amazing high - I can really see your faces."

"The crowds in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire are so warm and friendly. The best part is when the fans are singing the words of my songs back to me. I get shivers."

And there is good news for the sensational singer's female admirers- the 21[wrong!] year-old is young, free and single.

"There are some beautiful girls here tonight", he said. "I wish I had more time to get to know some of you better"

The smooth-talking star, who writes his own material broke a few hearts during his visit to Hull, reducing one girl to tears backstage.

So, how does Darius cope with his fame, when he was once ridiculed for his rendition of...[you know the line]

"It's incredible" he said. "Wherever I've been, people have been great. I sometimes can't quite believe it's real. I have to pinch myself. The best part is performing songs- live and knowing that I'm bringing pleasure to hundreds of people. It's such a rush."

Charismatic Darius has made his dream a reality. His determination and talent is a breath of fresh air in today's boy/girl band orientated music industry.

He said,"If you had told me last year, after getting to the final of Pop Idol, that I would perform on stage in Paris supporting one of my idols, Shakira, I wouldn't have believed you. I was amazed that she picked me from a list of artists and liked my songs. She then invited me to join her on the European leg of her world tour. I've got the chance to travel the world. The only thing that's been holding me back is my own Dive In tour which is going round the country at the moment. Knowing one of my idols likes me makes me feel like I'm finally making it. I am a very lucky boy to be doing what I love."

The whole concert was reviewed, but in an earlier report it said: 'The biggest cheer of the night went to Darius, the once long-haired smooth-talker who made headlines for his eccentric appearances on televisions Pop Idol show[?]. His catchy hits Colourblind and Rushes were performed as well as his new single Girl In the Moon. The fans, unable to restrain themselves, clapped, waved their hands in the air as the Glaswegian strutted his funky stuff in front of them'

Brave Alex Blunt was feeling on top form today after a surprise meeting with the Pop Idol who helped save her life.

The ten-year-old spent 14 weeks locked away from other children last summer because a bone marrow transplant left her immune system so weak.

The youngster was kept in an isolation ward at Birmingham Children's Hospital where she was treated for leukaemia for the third time in her short life.

But the sound of one star could always send her blood pressure soaring even when she was in intensive care - Scottish heartthrob Darius Danesh.

And last night a dream came true for little Alex when she met the singer in person at Birmingham NIA.

"I wanted to take him home with me," said delighted Alex afterwards. "He gave me a big hug and kept holding the teddy bear that I gave him. I want him to take it on tour."

Darius was equally charmed with his young fan.

"You're a very brave girl and I hope you get better soon," he said. "I hope my songs keep making you happy."

Alex is now back at St Chad's RC School in Sedgley and her cancer is in remission.

Her mum Lorraine, 46, from Sedgley, said: "This was a dream come true for Alex."

'Hit me baby one more time' he sang, & the nation swooned- well that was the idea. Actually, the nation fell of it's sofa laughing as Darius Danesh did the impossible & made us all think that Britney Spears could actually sing after all when he stepped up to the mike in Popstars to provide us with one of the best (& worst) moments of recent years.

Since this somewhat igonominious (?) debut, however, Darius has been working very hard to restore his credibility as a performer & establish himself as a teen magnet to rival, say Will Young or Gareth Gates - who he lost to in his subsequent bid for the limelite in Pop Idol.

But it is still a triumph of sorts. Darius famiously told nasty Nigel Lythgoe that he would have a number one single one day, whatever the judges thought - & almost inevitably, through tenacity & sheer brass neck, he did.

Now a fully fledged Pop star - though for how long it is difficult to tell in these days when your 15 mins of fame has been downsized to 15 secs - Darius has ditched the ponytailed lounge lizard wannabe image &, in its place stands a lean, clean cut & slightly sleepish young man with an okay voice & unusually for a talent TV show - the songwriting credits on most of his songs.

With a budding talent for reinvention & a love & understanding of great literature, as revealed in a recent interview in The Guardian, it seems we may all have underestimated the dashing Mr Danesh (not us) or we may not. You can judge for yourself when he plays the Oxford Apollo on Sat 24th May at 7.30pm.

Darius has also just been added to the line up at the Summer XS party at Reading Rivermead on June 8th.

Darius broke off his English degree at Edinburgh University to become a Popstar. When a Newspaper interviewer tried to catch him out during a discussion of The Great Gatsby recently, he proved his mettle by reciting the entire final paragraph, word for word. You can't imagine Kym Marsh doing that, can you!

Two city musicians will fulfill a lifetime's ambition when they play before thousands in their home town alongside pop idol Darius.

Karl Brazil,aged 25,of Sheldon and Steve Morgan,28 of Handsworth are both members of the Glasgow born star's band and are currently performing on a sell out tour of the U.K.

And both are relishing tomorrow nights gig at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena when their family and friends will be among the hordes of screaming fans expected to turn out.

Karl a drummer and Steve who plays bass,have been touring with Darius since April 23rd.They have been living with the singing star on his giant tour bus as the Dive In tour travels the country......

Lucky schoolgirl Stacey Bartlett had the night of her life after winning front row seats to watch pop star Darius Danesh. Stacey of Congresbury, was picked out of hundreds of entrants to see Darius live in concert run in conjunction with the North Somerset Times. Winner, Stacey, aged 11, was taken to the concert at the Colston Hall in style in a stretch limousine courtesy of Atlanta Limousines of Clevedon.

Stacey was also presented with a voucher for a pamper session at Palomares Hair and Beauty. St Andrew's school student Stacey said: "I am a real big fan of Darius. The whole night was excellent and I love the fact that I was picked up in a limo. All my friends were envious I had won and all came to wave me off on the night." The competition was organised to herald the launch of North somerset's newest community radio station, The Point FM. The station, formerly known as Posset fm, will go on air from August 2-16 broadcasting on 87.7 FM.

The ECHO goes behind the headlines

COULD it be that Pop Idol Darius has got a little carried away at the prospect of all those gorgeous girlies over at Hollyoaks?

The sexy Scot appears to have rushed in a little too soon and fuelled speculation that he's about to join the cast of the Chester soap.

Certainly, if his official website is to be believed, it's virtually signed and sealed.

According to dariusmusic.com, gossip on the showbiz circuit that Darius will soon be swopping the charts for TV stardom is, in fact, true.

It enthuses: "While the precise details are still awaiting confirmation, we can reveal with near certainty that Darius will be stepping onto the set and lending his own unique panache to the hit soap."

Adding: "Will Hollyoaks ever be the same again, or is it destined for a musical-kilted pop makeover - Danesh style?"

Sounds like a done deal, doesn't it? But if it is, then it comes as news over at Mersey TV.

The insider's source on the Close confirms that they have been in discussions with Darius, whose previous thespian claim to fame is having appeared in Carmen at Covent Garden with Scottish Opera when he was a teenager.

But that's as far as it's gone. "We've been talking to him and others," says our soap source.

"But nothing has been confirmed yet. There isn't even a storyline written yet, so we don't know if he did do it whether he'd be playing a role or himself."

A case of wishful thinking, maybe, on the part of the Glaswegian chart-topping charmer?

POP Idol Darius Danesh is all set to help Sheffield Children's Hospital celebrate its fun day on Sunday.

The singer has been invited to Weston Park, where hospital mascot Theo and staff have been busy planning the fun day.

Theo is expecting a visit from his new friend Darius Danesh as well as the Red Devils who will be making an appearance as they quite literally drop in from the skies to say a big hello.

Theo's Fun Day Sunday will be jam packed with activities, including a special patients' fun run called Follow my Doctor with music from the award winning Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir, craft stalls and a fun fair.

The day will start at noon when Theo and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield will throw open Weston Park for a day of fun and ends at 4pm.

Tina Codd, event organiser from the Children's Appeal, said: "We hope that people from across the region will come along and join in the fun.

"It's not everyday that you can see the Red Devils, a true Pop Idol and an award winning male voice choir in the park."

Abigail Briggs, aged six, has been a fan of heart-throb Darius Danesh since he performed in the TV contest that made him, Gareth Gates and Will Young stars.

Earlier this week Abigail, from Kirkstead Gardens, Woodhouse Mill, was admitted to hospital for a two week stay.

She has a bone condition, called Perthes Disease, which is causing pain in one of her hip joints and needs intensive physiotherapy and traction.

Weeks ago Abigail's mother Stephanie had arranged concert tickets to see Darius at Sheffield City Hall as a belated birthday treat.

It looked like they would have to pass up the chance to see the star, though, when Abigail was unexpectedly admitted to hospital.

But after discussions with doctors and physiotherapists, Abigail is being allowed home at the weekend to go to the concert.

Stephanie said: "Abbie idolises Darius. She loved him in Pop Idol, especially when he sang 'It's not Unusual' by Tom Jones. "She has got his posters and cushions all over her bedroom and knows all the words to 'Colour Blind'. She idolises him and has been excited for weeks about seeing him.

"We want to thank the hospital for agreeing weekend leave to allow her to attend the concert, they have been understanding," said Stephanie. On Monday Abigail will go back to hospital to continue her treatment.

Abigail, a pupil at Brunswick Primary School, was diagnosed with the Perthes' Disease in January after suffering from hip pain. The condition affects children and causes damage to the hip joint due to a loss of blood supply to the area.

Stephanie said: "It came as quite a shock as neither me or her dad Michael had heard of this condition before. She cannot do PE or any running, and has to be careful not to put too much pressure on the hip, but she needs to keep it mobile and the school has been very understanding."

In spite of her difficulties Abigail, who has an older brother Lewis, nine, remains a bright and cheerful child.

"At first she's shy when she meets new people, then all hell breaks lose and she is very bubbly," added Stephanie, "She is so pleased she will be seeing Darius."

Since January, Emma Harrod-Jones has suffered from bowel disease. KATHARINE BARNEY spoke about how she has coped with her illness - and met two of her heroes

As pop star Darius sang to Emma Harrod-Jones on the stage of Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall, she looked as overawed as any other 13-year-old. Clearly enamoured with her hero, she grinned as he hugged her on stage and sang his next single Girl in the Moon in front of an adoring crowd.

But there was a particular reason it was Emma on stage.

She suffers from the incurable bowel disease chronic ulcerative colitis.

Since January she has been in and out of hospital, and is still not able to attend school full time.

She spent the first month in the Queen's Medical Centre, and was then allowed to return home to Sleaford in Lincolnshire for a day, before returning to hospital for another couple of weeks.

The last time Emma was in hospital was before Easter - and she is now hoping to be able to control the disease through medication at home.

But Wednesday night was some compensation for the pain she has endured.

It was not until a couple of hours before the concert that the brave youngster found out she was going to meet her idol.

It was arranged by When You Wish Upon A Star, the Notts-based charity which grants wishes for poorly youngsters.

Emma said: "I was given the two tickets and with them was a note saying, 'Congratulations - you are about to meet Darius'. I couldn't really take it in at first, but then I was so excited.

"He was really nice when I spoke to him afterwards, very chatty and friendly.

"I haven't been able to tell all my friends yet, but Mum said there were a few girls in the audience giving me jealous looks."

But meeting Darius was not Emma's first brush with stardom.

Before Easter she met Ronan Keating through When You Wish Upon a Star - at Century FM in Nottingham.

And while she was there Emma admitted to a charity organiser that Darius was her favourite pop act.

Emma's mum Louise, 36, said: "I'm positive meeting Ronan got her through Easter and kept her out of hospital. Meeting Darius will keep her out for the rest of the her life.

"She's just been incredible throughout the whole thing and she's only cried once.

"She's a brave girl."

SCOTS singer Darius Danesh today spoke of his delight at kicking off his tour in the Capital.

Speaking today with Forth One’s Boogie and Vicky on the breakfast show, the former Edinburgh University student - who is set to release his new single Girl on the Moon - said he relished every minute of Sunday’s sell-out gig at the Playhouse.

He said: "The Playhouse was amazing, it was great to kick off the tour in Scotland."

He also added he was happy he had not taken part in Fame Academy because he was pleased David Sneddon, another Scot, had scooped first place.

He said: "I’m glad I wasn’t on Fame Academy because I’m glad that David Sneddon won."

He added: "Having someone from Scotland flying the flag for pop music is great. Scotland has a culture of great music and there’s maybe been a bit of a lapse.

"For me to be given the opportunity and then David coming along has been fantastic."

Vicky then prompted Darius to reveal if he had kissed any celebrities but Darius was reluctant to tell .

He said: "It would be rude for me to reveal the latest celebrity snog as I would have to consult her first, but I can exclusively reveal that I snogged one of Robbie William’s ex-girlfriends before she ever met him".

POP hunk Darius helped a devoted fan after she collapsed at his concert.

Epileptic Louise Hill had a fit minutes before her idol appeared on stage at Glasgow's SECC.

The jinxed student had already missed three Darius concerts due to a bout of chicken pox, a car crash and pelting rain.

But this time Darius, who shot to fame on reality TV show Pop Idol, saved the day.

He invited the 24-year-old backstage for a reassuring kiss and cuddle after hearing of her ordeal.

Louise, of Barrhead, Renfrewshire, said: "Darius was absolutely lovely.

"His dad told me to come back stage when he heard I had an epileptic fit. Minutes later, Darius appeared.

"He was very kind and caring and give me a big cuddle. He even kissed me and told me I would be OK."

Student Louise had been counting down the days until Darius's Dive In tour. Last year, she missed his Pop Idol concert when she had chicken pox.

Months later, she was on her way to the singer's show in Glasgow when her brother was hurt in a car crash.

Louise said: "He wasn't seriously injured but was quite shaken so I didn't want to leave him. So I bought a ticket for Live and Loud."

But the summer concert was cancelled because of torrential rain. She said: "It was third time unlucky for me. I had almost given up."

Louise finally got her hands on a ticket for last Friday's gig but on the big day she began to feel faint then blacked out.

Louise added: "When I woke up I was in the emergency room surrounded by paramedics and was quite upset.

"But the next minute, a man walked in and introduced himself as Darius's dad.

"I was shocked. He asked if I was the girl who had the seizure then took me back stage."

An hour before the concert started I accidentally dropped my tickets to see Darius.

A girl walking past threw a disdainful look at them as they lay on the floor and said: "Are they yours, because there's no way they're mine." Ashamed, I quickly gathered them up, tucked them away and sidled into the Royal Concert Hall.

But once inside I melted into a large crowd of young teenagers and an extraordinarily large number of middle-aged women, who were anything but embarrassed to be witnessing their hero on stage.

Darius was everything you would expect and a lot more. For those of you who think he's cheesy, you're right. There's no doubt about it, some parts of the Dive In tour are cringe-worthy.

Thankfully there is no mention of 'love in this room' but there was an incredible about of gushing praise for the fans.

There was a lot of Elvis-style gyrating and an off-stage gust of wind that seemed to focus on Darius' shirt and nothing else. Strange that.

But aside from all that there was the music - and the music really was great.

Darius may have lost his horrendous ponytail, but he has transformed himself into a mesmerising performer, with a cover of George Michael's Faith stunning his already adoring audience.

But predictably, the highlight of the night was as, with his trademark upside down guitar hanging from his back, Darius' established hits, Rushes, Incredible and Colourblind.

His voice is captivating and some of his songs are touchingly original, but Darius still seems to be trying too hard to be an amalgamation of some of his pop heroes.

IT'S amazing what a change of image can do.

Just over two years ago, Darius Danesh was a laughing stock. Sporting a goatee beard and ponytail which, in his own words, made him look like a cross between a Quentin Tarantino baddie and a Spanish waiter, he auditioned for the original reality TV show, Popstars. Darius came across as cocky, cringeworthy (all that talk of love and happiness) and his singing did not exactly set the world alight.

But a year later, following an image transformation, he was back in the limelight and became runner up to Will Young and Gareth Gates in the Pop Idol series.

Now he has a chart-topping single under his belt and a platinum-selling debut album and he is currently touring the UK. On Saturday, he will perform to hundreds of fans at Cardiff International Arena.

As he prepares for his visit to Wales, he speaks to Box Office in Friday's Western Mail about love, fame and why he had to get rid of that goatee beard.

If last night's performance is anything to go by there is little doubt that Darius is a fully fledged Pop Idol.

A packed City Hall crowd were wowed by the young Scotsman and it proved a bit too much for some of his younger fans.

The atmosphere was a cross between a Tom Jones gig and a Westlife concert - which included more than the odd pair of knickers thrown onto the stage.

He played a number of album tracks as well as some fantastic covers of George Michael's Faith and Prince's Kiss.

The crowd were a mixture of all ages from eight to 80.

His biggest selling singles Rushes and the encore Colourblind were greeted with massive cheers and there is no doubt he has a real long-term future in the music business.

A highlight was his Justin Timberlake cover and if the US megastar provides as much entertainment at the Telewest this weekend then the crowd are in for a fantastic night.

POP Stars and Pop Idol graduate Darius brings his debut UK tour, to the Bournemouth International Centre on Sunday (May 11). He emerged from the strange world of reality TV seemingly a fully formed star. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter hasn't looked back since. He enjoyed huge hits Colourblind and Rushes and co-wrote all 12 tracks on his debut solo album Dive In. He also played acoustic guitar on the recording. He has cred too. Name-checked by everyone from Liam Gallagher to Lionel Ritchie, Darius is living proof that dreams can come true.

Anyone heading off to Newcastle City Hall on Tuesday will almost certainly feel the love in that venue, for Darius is back.

He's 22, has had a number one single, two more top 10 hits and a gold selling album.

So Darius is already 90 per cent of the way to achieving his now-famous prediction - that he would have a number one single and a triple platinum album by the age of 35.

There's little doubting the appeal of the amiable Glaswegian, who is reckoned by many to have the potential to outlast all the other Pop Idol and Popstars success stories.

He even managed to keep Coldplay off the top of the singles chart last summer, when Colourblind spent two weeks in pole position.

Darius, of course, first grabbed national headlines with his rendition of Britney's Baby One More Time on Popstars before telling the show's judges his aim of that number one and triple album.

Then he changed his image, won the hearts of the nation and came third in Pop Idol.

He even took the brave step of turning down Pop Idol's Simon Cowell's offer of a record deal, deciding to do things his way. The result was the top 10 album Dive In.

Tracks from the album will be the main focus of Tuesday's City Hall show. A handful of lucky fans had a sneak glimpse of how the Scots singer can cut it live at a tiny, invite-only gig at Gateshead's Baltic centre for contemporary art a few weeks ago.

The singer is no stranger to Tyneside, having had mates here since a child, and he is fully backing the Newcastle Gateshead European Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

"I think the area thoroughly deserves to be the capital of culture. It reminds me a lot of Glasgow," he told the Chronicle.

"Getting the title would bring so many people to the city, and it would give the whole area a terrific energy.

"Not that it hasn't got that already. There is a great spirit about the Geordies - a real upbeat feeling about the whole place.

"I really got that when I was doing the Pop Idol tour. I'd love to perform here when it becomes European Capital of Culture 2008 - as I'm sure it will - and I definitely intend to still be around then.

"I've got some great friends in Newcastle."

He is looking forward to returning to Tyneside.

"It's always a great pleasure to play in the North East and it will be nice to come back with a tour in my own right after playing last year with the Pop Idol tour," he added.

SCOTS pop star Darius is the latest Live and Loud attraction - but already there are doubts whether he'll make it.

The Bearsden heartthrob was named yesterday as one the top acts for the July 27 Hampden concert. But the 22-year-old said he may not be able to headline the event, even though he'll play the Clyde Auditorium at the end of the month.

Darius said: "I'd love to, but there's a possibility I may get the chance to work with a top producer in the US at that time. I'd be a fool not to go if that comes off."

DARIUS is returning to Scotland to headline The Box Live at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium, alongside Girls Aloud, on May 26.

But the singer, who performed at the same venue on Friday to a sell-out crowd, revealed he may not be able to headline this summer's HEBS Live + Loud as reported yesterday.

Darius said: "I can't confirm I'll be headlining, but I'd love to. There is a possibility that I may get the chance to work with a top producer in the US which clashes with the date. I'd be a fool not to go over to America if it comes off."

Darius *****
Playhouse

SIMON COWELL would have had to slink away with his tail between his legs.

The man who he once wrote off as "not good enough", performed last night to a sold-out Playhouse, inspiring applause and screams that almost raised the roof.

Darius has come a long way since the days when he walked Edinburgh’s streets as a lowly university student, and no-one recognises this more than himself.

Speaking about his Pop Stars days last night, he quickly admitted: "I was bit of a pony-tailed prat," and there would be few who could disagree, even amongst the adoring fans he was addressing.

Who could forget his, ahem, "unique" take on Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby, or that meticulously-shaped goatee?

But a good barber, one Pop Idol programme and a record deal with Mercury later, and Darius is all grown up, and has managed to garner a respect that Will and Gareth are sorely lacking.

Even before Darius came anywhere near the stage, the atmosphere in the auditorium was relaxed and laidback - especially for a group that largely consisted of young teenage girls clutching soft toys, flowers and banners in their hands.

Support band Peppercorn were warmly received, and set the tone for the evening, with their acoustic soft rock gently hyping the crowd up. Such a peaceful intro made Darius’ exuberant opening all the more dramatic.

Not since Elvis have we seen so much grand standing and knee swivelling. From the first second he appeared, posing on a raised podium centre stage, Darius strutted his stuff to the max. He is over the top, insanely cheerful and very, very good at what he does.

Enduring not one, but two reality music shows obviously teaches you a few tricks, and Darius worked the room like a seasoned pro.

He blew kisses, ordered the audience to get on their feet and shook his hips with wild abandon, pausing several times to hug the fans crowding the front of the auditorium. One young lady even found herself up on stage, being held by Darius as he crooned his ballad Girl in the Moon to her.

The set list was fairly predictable, including all the tracks from his debut album Dive In, a mix of tempos and moods, but all belonging to that bouncy, foot-tapping pop that he does so well.

He saved the most popular single, Colourblind, until the very end of his encore, when he was still bouncing around the stage with seemingly endless energy.

There were also a few extras - covers of Sinatra’s Under My Skin and Destiny Child’s Bootilicious - while the band even played an instrumental version of the aforementioned Britney hit during a short break halfway through. Darius may not be a lyrical or melodic genius, but he can put a good tune together and even (gasp) knows more than just how to strum a guitar.

His voice sounds even smoother live and any doubts that he can actually hold a note will be put to rest by this tour.

Darius was also careful to ensure that his band received their fair share of the limelight, and they all seemed to be having a great time .

He appeared in a succession of tight clothing, culminating in a leather kilt that caused mass swooning, and a middle-aged woman seated next to me to solemnly declare: "He’s got IT!"

As much as you may despair of his boy band antics and cringe-worthy showmanship, you can't help but enjoy the spectacle.

Darius may be cheesy as month-old Stilton, but he’s so sincere with it that he eventually wins you over.

News of The World 4 May 2003

Penny pinching popstar Darius is snubbing posh eateries while he's in Scotland.

Instead the star, 22, says he'll dine at The Bay Tree - which does beans on toast for £1.50 - and told us, "It's the one thing I miss about Glasgow"

It seems Darius really does want to be a rock star - he checked into Glasgow's Radisson hotel as "Rocks".

A CHILDHOOD dream will come true for Darius when he plays Hampden this summer.

When the singer was a little boy, his ambition was to grace the national stadium as a footballer.

So it will be an extra special moment when he takes the stage there the Live and Loud concert on July 27.

A Live and Loud Insider said: "Singing in front of thousands of fans in your home city seems like the impossible dream but Darius has earned his place among the stars."

Darius will be joined a host of chart-topping acts at Scotland's biggest pop event.

Blue, Gareth Gates, Liberty X, the Sugababes, David Sneddon, Busted, Mis-teeq, Big Brovaz, Girls Aloud, Kym Marsh, Abs and Lisa Scott-Lee are just some of the stars committed. Concert organisers expect 30,000 fans to converge on Hampden.

That's 18,000 more than bothered to turn up to see Scotland being beaten by Austria last week.

The stadium and the surrounding car parks will be transformed into a fun park, and fans can catch a glimpse of their idols on two huge stages.

EXCLUSIVE
Daily Record: 192 3 May 2003

THIS is Darius in rehearsal for his current tour - and as you've never seen him before.

The Scots singer allowed 192 a sneak preview of his tour, which he kicked off with the first of two Scottish dates at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium last night.

And his new, sharp haircut and hard-rocker look, too - a long way from the Darius, who shot to fame on Pop Idol and Popstars.

After enjoying three consecutive Top 10 hits, including the chart- topper Colourblind, and platinum-selling album Dive In, the 22-year old revealed he is making the most of his fame.

Having been linked with Playgirl model Francesca Diaz and a string of other beauties, Darius admits he is burning the candles at both ends.

He said: "I've been going full-on a lot more. It's full-on. I'm living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, going out late with my mates until the early hours.

"My dad told me since I'm 22 I should enjoy it. So I am."

I just wanted to drop you all a note to say a huge Thank You to everyone who has been involved in making the quilt which I saw last night in Belfast, and I’ve signed.

Sadly, due to fire regulations, it can't be hung in the auditoriums for the rest of the tour, but thank you all again for getting so involved, it means a lot to me.

See you all on the tour I hope!

Darius xxx