THEY seem like an odd couple, but Justin Hawkins was getting a little love from Darius at the Ivor Novello Awards. The Darkness singer, who won the songwriter of the year award, raised a toast to songwriters.

And Darius took him at his word as he congratulated him. Is another alternative collaboration of Britney's Hit Me Baby One More Time on the cards?

Darius admits faith pulled him through

By John Dingwall Daily Record 22 May 2004

DARIUS DANESH has revealed how his belief in God helped him to overcome the cruel jibes he faced as a young Popstars wannabe.

The singer says he turned to his Christian faith to give him strength to carry on with his dream of stardom when he became a laughing stock on the TV talent show.

He followed up his failure to be picked for Popstars group Hear'Say by entering Pop Idol against the advice of his parents. He landed third place behind winner Will Young and runner-up Gareth Gates.

That led to his chart-topping debut single Colourblind and album Dive In which has sold 500,000 copies since its release.

'My faith got me through it,' Darius said. 'My faith in God, in my family and in myself.

'It wasn't easy but it was more difficult for my mum and dad. It must have been like watching a flower growing, reaching for the light, that is suddenly trampled on. My roots were deeper than people thought and I'm glad those roots have been my family and my faith.'

He says his religious beliefs also mean he will always be faithful to his live-in girlfriend Jacqui Ainslie.

And despite his reputation as a bit of a party animal, Darius revealed he doesn't get drunk or take drugs.

Darius, who is currently working with top producers in Miami and Los Angeles who have also worked with Christina Aguilera and Avril Lavigne, said: 'I'm not a regular drinker.

'I go for six months off, six months on as such, and don't take drugs. I'm faithful to my girlfriend. I find it easier than people might believe because that's how I've been brought up.

'My drinking days were at university and I got it out of my system.

'I don't go out to get drunk. I've got a job and responsibilities now and I hope I'm a good role model for my little brother, Cyrus. I want him to grow up with the same sense of faith.'

Darius, who describes himself as a Christian inspired by Islam, also credits his upbringing in a multi-faith household as giving him an understanding of other religions.

He explained: 'My Dad, who is from Iran, was raised as Muslim and has embraced Christianity. He is aware that in different religions there are many things that are weak and some that are perhaps extreme.

'He's taken the best things of Islam and applied them to his life. I respect him for being so open-minded.

'At school I was bullied and I remember coming home distraught. Mum consoled me and taught me to pray and to ask God for peace and strength and all the things that help you get through whatever the little bumps are along the road.

'That empathy that was taught at Church, would overspill into daily life. I think that has stayed with me.' Under the headline Young, Sexy and Christian, Darius tells the Church Of Scotland newspaper Life & Work: 'Faith and religion are really important.

'We live in a such a selfish world now where everyone is trying to get what they can and the idea of compassion and empathy for your neighbour is one we're seeing less and less of.

'That's why faith and religion are so important because it teaches us to be compassionate and empathetic.'

With Lee-Ann Fullerton And Beverley Lyons

WHO nose what Darius is up to? As the Scots singer took a leisurely stroll in London he got up close and personal with his mobile phone. Perhaps the Pop Idol star was getting on the blower, quite literally.

As if taking a picture of his nostrils wasn't enough to merit attention, the talented musician also seemed to be showing off his latest hairdo. His stylists Taylor Ferguson have told him to grow his locks so he can sport another creative new look in time for his next appearance at Glasgow's Hampden Stadium on June 5 during an American football game for the Claymores.

At least he's not tied his barnet back in a pony tail yet!

Scots hunk Darius Danesh could restore our battered pride if he belted out our song in this weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest.

That’s the verdict from Irish Euro finalist Marc Roberts, who shot to fame in the competition – which is watched by more than 300 million viewers.

Roberts believes it would take someone of Darius’ stature to restore Britain’s battered pride after the humiliation of last year’s disaster which saw UK’s hopefuls Jemini score ‘nul points’ – our worst result in 47 years.

Marc – who came second in the 1997 showdown – said: “If Britain is ever going to be taken seriously again then they need to put someone forward like Darius.

“He’d be perfect because he has a certain cheesiness about him that would really appeal to the Europeans – but whether he’d do it or not is another thing entirely.

“So many people slag of Eurovision – but most folk watch it.

“And stars like Darius shouldn’t turn their noses up at it either. It made huge stars of people like Celine Dion and Abba and it would offer him a truly international platform.

“It is one of the biggest shows on the planet and in just three minutes you can make a name for yourself which lasts a whole career.”

“I can understand why most established artists wouldn’t want to put themselves up there to be shot down.

“But someone like Darius has shown he has enough bottle to come back from his Pop Idol embarrassment to get a No 1 record – so why couldn’t he go all the way with Eurovision?”

The UK opted for 27 year old Welsh singer-songwriter James Fox to represent the country at this year’s final in Turkey, after a Pop Idol style knockout TV voting show.

However Mark has doubts as to whether Fox has much chance of glory on Saturday night – and he believes a radical rethink is needed.

Roberts – who came second to Britain’s last winners, Katrina and The Waves – said “Last year Jemini were truly awful.

“It remains to be seen how the new fella does, but if you are serious about winning you should go for someone tried and tested.

“The thing is the Brits and the Irish pretend they’re not serious about Eurovision – s why do they enter it?

“We’ve always had a slightly snooty attitude towards it because of all the bizarre European acts, but it didn’t do Lulu’s career any harm when she won in 1969.

“It also brought me national and European notoriety too and I’m still able to tour around the continent on the back of it.”

CHART-TOPPER Darius is joining the bill for this summer's big concert at the McAlpine Stadium.

He will be a support act when boy band Blue top the bill at the stadium on July 31.

Darius, 23, is best- known as the star who came third behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in the ITV series Pop Idol, before going on to become a music star in his own right.

The Glaswegian heart-throb's debut single, Colourblind, went straight to No 1 and he has had two other Top Ten singles.

His album, Dive In, reached platinum status.

Up to 37,000 fans will see him in Huddersfield on a bill which also includes Girls Aloud.

Concert promoter Matthew Timmins said it was a massive coup to get the star.

He added: "Darius provides a fabulous addition to this all-star cast. I am positive fans will have a night to remember.

"Ticket sales are already soaring, due to the massive appeal that Blue and Girls Aloud bring.

"The open-air venue in the height of the summer is also proving a massive attraction."

Tracey O'Sullivan and Nathan Rous mingled with celebrity guests at Saturday's charity ball

A whole host of stars helped raise more than £1 million for charity at a glittering ball hosted by Shropshire billionaire John Caudwell.

Emma Noble turned heads as she arrived at a glittering charity ball near the Shropshire border showing off a new brunette look.

The Eternal Flame Charity Ball 2004, organised in aid of The Caudwell Charitable Trust, was held at the mobile phone tycoon's historic home, Broughton Hall, near Market Drayton, on Saturday night.

Organisers said they were delighted with the event - even though the weather wreaked havoc with preparations. Guests were able to mingle with popstars Darius and the Sugababes, as well as the likes of Vanessa Feltz, Emma Noble, Darren Day and the Cheeky Girls.

But topping the bill were singers Lulu and Lemar who performed live at the £200-a-head fundraising bash which attracted more than 1,800 people.

The £1 million was raised through sponsorship, ticket sales, a raffle and a luxury auction. All the money will help sick and abused children by providing medical equipment and specialist therapies.

Host for the evening John Caudwell said running the charity was "spiritually challenging". He said: "When you see everybody here enjoying themselves in the name of charity it's a wonderful feeling. Running a business and running the charity both present completely different challenges."

He was given a boost when chart-topper Darius offered to take part in a charity bike ride later this year - even though he's supposed to be on tour, while model Emma Noble, who arrived with boyfriend Graham McGrath, revealed that her sister lived in Ludlow.

MAY 7: POP Idol finalist turned heart-throb Darius Danesh is to perform at the Wiltshire Festival in August.

Darius is best-known as the star who came third behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in the ITV series Pop Idol, before going on to become a music star in his own right.

His debut single Colourblind went straight to No 1.

At the festival he will appear alongside boy band Blue, The Commit-ments and Jamelia during the Party In The Park at Lydiard Park.

Neil Cooper, the director of Green Arena Events, which is organising of the event, said: "This is a real coup for us ­ he is a big star with a huge fan base and we are very excited about him coming to play at Party In The Park."

Party In The Park takes place on August 28

Blue made fans scream at the KCM

Saturday 1st May saw 15,000 screaming pop fans watch: Blue, D-side, Darius Danesh, Girls Aloud and more perform live at Hull's very own impressive KC Stadium.

Genie Queen from Liverpool, Pete Waterman's new band Pop, 4 piece Free Faller and Kelly ft Top-notch warmed up the crowd ready for D-side to really get the party started.

D-side, an Irish 5 piece, performed many tracks including their new single 'Pushing Me Out' and their brilliant debut 'Speechless' both taken from their current album, 'Stronger Together'.

Following on from D-side was Darius Danesh who pulled one lucky girl from the crowd and even sang to her live on stage.

Darius performed his smash hit debut single 'Colour Blind' which stormed to number one and his last single 'Girl in the Moon'.

Darius said to his Hull fans that they were "the greatest in the world" and posed for photos while meeting his fans outside the stadium.

Lucy Graham, nine, of Buckingham Street, Holderness Road, east Hull was chosen when Darius jumped off the stage.

He sang Girl In The Moon to her in front of 15,000 cheering - yet envious - fans.

Delighted Lucy said: "It's my birthday on Thursday and it's the best birthday present ever.

"He called me his little princess. It's a dream come true."

Darius said: "If the little things like inviting someone on stage make it more memorable for the fans, then that's great."