Geri misses out on pop hunk

POP Idol crooner and all-round ladies' man Darius Danesh has a new woman in his life...his own keyboard player. Darius had been linked to unlucky-in-love Geri Halliwell in recent weeks.

But unfortunately for lovelorn Geri, the chances of the former Spice Girl finding her perfect man in the lanky Lothario look to have been scuppered for now...after my spies caught the Scot getting up close and personal with sexy Sarah Decourcy, currently playing keyboards in his backing band.

My sources caught the lovebirds all over each other at the BMI/Gibson Guitar live music night at the Hard Rock cafe last week. The insider says: "They were kissing in the VIP area of the venue before his performance. And then when he was playing his gig, Darius couldn't take his eyes off Sarah.

"After his three-song set the pair went back to their corner and began kissing. They were all over each other again. "They didn't speak to anyone else during the night apart from ordering food and drinks.

"Darius didn't seem to mind who saw him, he looked totally smitten and when they left together he had a huge grin on his face." Sarah - busy in the studio working on her album - seems to have overtaken Geri in Darius' affections.

He split with model girlfriend Jacqui Ainsley in June. And a long-distance romance with US actress Natasha Hentsridge also quickly petered out.

In September, Darius, 24, was linked to Geri after they met at a breast cancer bash in September. Since then, they have become firm friends with Darius cheering on Geri - who has dated the likes of Robbie Williams, Chris Evans, troubled heir Damien Warner and US actor Jerry O'Connell in the past - at her G.A.Y. performance two weeks ago. Afterwards, Darius even joined her at the exclusive aftershow party in London's new Penthouse venue in Leicester Square - and some onlookers thought romance may be in the air. But now it looks like it is sexy Sarah who has stolen his heart.

A source revealed: "Darius is a very good-looking man and Geri and he have become good friends. They have certainly been hanging out a lot together - but there's nothing more than that going on."

"Geri is always very tactile with pals and that has certainly been the case with Darius. Who knows if she wanted to take their friendship further?

"But it looks like she's missed the boat now because he's fallen for Sarah."

You are incredible – you are amazing!

That was the message Pop Idol star Darius Danesh had for his fans when he popped in for a gig at a top secret location in Preston. More than 200 competition winners enjoyed the chance to get up close and personal with the Scottish singing sensation at the special intimate concert last night at the Marriott Hotel, Broughton.

A select group of fans had the chance to "meet and greet" the man himself backstage after the show as he patiently signed dozens of autographs and posed for pictures.

Sporting a claret shirt, Darius thrilled his crowd by performing a string of hits from his first album, Dive In, and his second, Live Twice, accompanied by keyboardist Sarah De Courcy.

Perched on a high wooden chair and strumming an acoustic guitar, he charmed his admirers with Kinda Love before performing Incredible to rapturous applause.

Next followed another new number, Devil in You, taken from his new album, before he performed Extreme's More Than Words and Green Day's Time Of Your Life.

Live Twice, the title track from his new album, proved to be the most emotional moment of the night, which was organised by Rock FM and Magic 999, as Darius revealed how he had been inspired to write the song when his father was diagnosed with cancer.

He recounted how he had played the song to his father at his hospital bed who encouraged him to continue with his music and not put his own life on hold. Darius said: "He told me life is too short. He said 'I fight to live to see the achievements of my children'. And he was right. My father is still here and still fighting."

Darius' final song was his smash hit Colourblind which had the audience clapping and dancing in the aisles and on chairs.

Speaking after the show, Darius said: "I have had a wonderful night and it was such a pleasure to come here. "It was awesome and I didn't realise what a warm welcome there would be. The crowd was amazing.

"When I write songs, they are written in an intimate, acoustic way and it is great to have the chance to express that to people to whom I feel very grateful for their support."

Natalie Ellaway, 22, from Liverpool Old Road, Much Hoole, scooped her chance to meet Darius through a competition in the Evening Post. The mum-of-one, who was with her friend Sharon Wilson, said: "I was delighted when I heard that I had won the competition. I am a really big fan of Darius and I had never seen him before. "I just think he is gorgeous and he has a great singing voice."

Fellow fan Annie Bibby, 18, from Ash Grove, Bamber Bridge, near Preston, was at the concert with her mum Linda. She said: "Darius is just a great star. It has made my night meeting him!"

Hilary Allison, a former interior designer from Inglewhite, said: "I am a big Darius fan. He is a very talented, nice guy. It was a superb concert and I really enjoyed it."

Rock FM DJs Darren Spence and Gemma Dee, who introduced the concert, agreed such gigs were one of the perks of their jobs. Pleasant

Darren said: "We sit in the studio, do our shows and get to interview guests and once in a while, we get to meet the people it means so much to."

Gemma added: "I have met Darius on a number of occasions and I would say he is one of the most pleasant people in pop. He is very, very nice, he is game for a laugh and he is very sexy!"

Emma Roscoe, marketing manager for Rock FM and Magic 999, said: "We have done several gigs like this in the North West and the locations are always kept a top secret. "We had an absolutely tremendous response to the competition. "It is all about giving fans the chance to get up close and personal with the stars."

Darius was said to look smitten with Geri when she performed at G.A.Y. headed Geri has a secret date with Darius. Could the ex spice girl have found love again. They have denied they are dating, but it seems that Geri halliwell and Darius danesh just cant keep away from each other.

The pair were once again spotted out together at london club night g.a.y fuelling rumours the notoriously unlucky in love twosome may be more than just good friends. Former spice girl Geri was giving a raunchy performance of her new single Ride it at the Astoria club in Soho and according to onlookers, it wasnt just the crowd she was sending wild. One partygoer said Darius was in the audience and looked totally smitten with Geri while she was on stage. It was pretty obvious to anyone watching that sparks are flying between the two of them.

Its not the first time the odd pair have been linked. Geri was reportedly smitten with the former pop idol star when they met at the tickled pink breast cancer charity concert at the Royal albert hall in september. At the aftershow party friends said they hit it off instantly and barely spoke to anyone else all night. They clicked straight away said one source, Darius asked her out and she said yes. They have been on several dates since then and it seems to be going well. They seem like an odd couple but it looks like the real thing, Geri is swooning that Darius is absolutely gorgeous.

But the glaswegian born singer Darius, 24 recently quashed rumours that he and Geri were an item saying I am not going out with her. We have done a bit of work together but thats it. I would never go out with her ever. Although we have to ask if the man protests too much, at 32, Geri is 8 years older than the handsome Scot and at 5.ft. 2 ins shes tiny compare to his towering 6ft.3 frame.

HEART-THROB singer Darius Danesh was dazzled by 15,000 screaming fans as he switched on Paisley’s Christmas lights.

And the most eligible bachelor in pop – who has been linked to a string of famous women – admitted he couldn’t rule out finding his Miss Perfect here in Renfrewshire.

Darius, 24, took to the stage to help work Buddies into a festive frenzy before he officially kicked off Christmas in the town.

The massive crowd went wild as he belted out a set of tracks including his Top 10 single Kinda Love, the chart-topping Colourblind and his next release, Live Twice.

And thousands of young girls screamed with excitement as the hunky singer waved and blew kisses to his fans.

Lucky four year-old Andrew Myers, from Hollybush Children’s Centre, joined Darius and Provost Ronnie Burns on stage to perform the official Christmas lights ceremony.

And as they flicked the switch which transformed the town into a blaze of festive glory, a giant explosion of red and white confetti rained down on the delighted crowd.

Darius, who looked snug in a green coat with a furry hood, told fans: “It’s great to be in Paisley. Thank you for such a warm welcome on such a cold night.

“I hope every one of you has a great Christmas and that I’ll see you all again very soon.”

Darius’s mum, dad and two brothers came to Paisley to cheer him on as he performed live.

Speaking exclusively to the Paisley Daily Express before he took to the stage, he said: “I love Paisley – my mum was born here and my grandfather lives in the town – so it’s exciting to be asked to play here.

“I’m going to be spending some time in Paisley over Christmas and I can’t wait.”

Darius – who was recently rumoured to be dating ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – even admitted he couldn’t rule out finding love with a Paisley lady. He said: “I believe that if you look you never get. It’s when you’re not looking that love trips you up.”

POP Idol Darius Danesh set Sheffield alight when he turned on this year's Christmas illuminations.

It may have been a chilly weekend, but the hunky Scotsman turned up the heat in the Peace Gardens as he sung his Number One hit Colourblind and helped Santa and Lord Mayor Mike Pye switch on the lights.

A huge crowd had braved the cold and drizzly weather to see dishy Darius perform at the City Lights 2004 event, and he also treated them to a rendition of his next single Live Twice from his new album.

"It's great to be back in Sheffield," he told his excited fans. "I feel very privileged to have been invited to turn on the lights, and everyone looks snuggly and warm in their hats and scarves."

Darius was also wrapped up warm - the Pop Idol runner-up had shunned his usual kilt in favour of trousers and a warm brown coat - but his Sheffield fans still fancied him.

"I think he's wonderful," said 18-year-old Faye Oliver, an office worker from Herdings. "He's very good looking and he's a really good singer too. He always puts on a great show."

Darius certainly made the crowd happy as he sat on a stool on the Hallam FM stage, performing live with his guitar, while two women in the audience waved a sign at him declaring: "Darius, Marry Us".

Then the Lord Mayor gave Father Christmas the key to all the houses in Sheffield, to make it easier for him to deliver presents on Christmas Eve, and after a countdown Darius switched on the lights by pushing a huge plunger.

"I've been dragged here by my girlfriend because she wanted to see Darius, but I actually think it's a really good event," said Karl Harrison, aged 31, from Rotherham.

Visitors to the city centre browsed around market stalls selling Christmas presents, decorations and hot roasted chestnuts, and children's favourite Bob the Builder and his pal Wendy made a special appearance.

There was also a live nativity scene on The Moor with goats, sheep, cattle and a donkey from Graves Animal Park.

A snow machine ensured the freezing cold looked seasonal, there were free mince pies, and Santa put in an appearance on his sleigh, pulled by real reindeer and accompanied by his elves and fairies.

There were stalls selling food and drink, kiddies' rides, live music, street entertainers and carol singers to add an extra touch of seasonal magic.

Darius Danesh's new album Live Twice is in the shops now, and his single Live Twice will be released on January 10.

Singer Darius Danesh has switched on the Christmas lights in Paisley.

Thousands of fans turned out to see him perform his latest single, Kinda Love, which has gone into the top 10 in the singles chart. Boy band No Reason also put in an appearance and performed a string of songs, including their first single, Man Like Me.

Pop star Darius is launching a new career – as a Metro Radio DJ.

Darius has been presenting the station’s evening show from 6pm to 10pm all this week while the regular DJ Wayne is on holiday.

The new trainee presenter has been talking to listeners on the phone as well as playing some of his favourite music. It’s the first time Darius has accepted an invitation to be a radio DJ although he’s been interviewed hundreds of times.

“I really enjoyed my stint on the other side of the microphone at Metro,” he said, “I’d really like to do some more now”

Paul Chantler, Metro Radio acting Programme Director, said:

“Ever since I first saw Darius on Pop Idol, I knew he had the potential to be a great radio presenter.

He’s extremely passionate about the music and has a really warm and relatable way of talking to callers. He also has a fantastic radio voice.”

Darius will be recording a Christmas special for Metro Radio for transmission on Christmas Day.

CHRISTMAS will come early for Darius fans on Sunday - with this FREE poster we are giving away when he turns on the Christmas lights in Sheffield.

The giant glossy colour poster is available only when you buy The Star or Green Un from our roadshow at the City Lights event, on Sunday, November 21, 2004. You will find us on The Moor, from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. We’re got 1,000 to give away, so they are strictly subject to availability - first come, first served! And we’ve also got a Christmas cracker of a roadshow offer with Walkers Toffee and Fisherman’s Friend.

The Star has teamed up with Hallam FM, Magic Am, Sheffield City Council and Mercury Records to give you this free A2-sized Darius poster. Hallam FM and Magic AM are bringing the chart-topping pop idol to perform on their stage in the Peace Gardens, from 4.10pm. He will then join Father Christmas, Lord Mayor Michael Pye and Hallam FM DJ Big John to turn on the lights.

City Lights will also feature appearances from Bob the Builder and Wendy. Other highlights include real reindeer, snow machines, face painting, children's rides, a living nativity with farm animals, a festive craft market, hand bell ringing, Christmas badge making and a present wrapping service, in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief.

There will even be a plane in Tudor Square, provided by Sheffield Flying School, to promote flying lessons as Christmas presents. Creative youngsters can have a go at crazy Christmas carols and potty poems in the Central Library, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Gill Furniss, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Environment & Sport said: "Moving the event to a Sunday and an early time slot is sure to appeal to families and enable those attending to enjoy some Christmas shopping. “What's more Darius is sure to pull in the crowds when he switches on the Christmas lights."

CHART-TOPPING Darius Danesh will make a brand new Buddie tomorrow when he switches on Paisley's Christmas lights.

The singing sensation will meet up with four-year-old Andrew Myers before he performs the glittering ceremony.

And the excited youngster, from Hollybush Children's Centre, will help Darius transform the town into a blaze of festive glory.

The pair will flick the switch on the Christmas lights in High Street at 4.30pm - getting Paisley's seasonal celebrations off to a sparkling start.

Thousands of devoted Darius fans are expected to turn out to catch the pop heart-throb in action.

He will be performing his latest single, Kinda Love, which shot straight into the top 10.

And he'll also be belting out his number one anthem Colourblind and Live Twice, which is due out later this year. Darius became a household name after TV appearances in Popstars and Pop Idol.

The festivities kick off at 10.30am, when a team of reindeer will pull Santa into town on his sleigh.

At midday, Clyde 1 DJs George Bowie, Gina McKie and Gavin Pearson will take to the stage to host music, games and giveaways throughout the day.

Top new boy band No Reason will be putting in an appearance to perform a string of songs including their first single, Man Like Me.

And ACCORD hospice will have a huge marquee in County Square for the event, selling a range of Christmas goodies and home-baked treats.

Kids can also enjoy their own entertainment, with a funfair, bungee trampolining and face-painting.

Darius and Jackie Bird will be in charge of the fun in Scotland

BBC Scotland is gearing up for the annual Children in Need charity fundraising drive.

Last year more than £30m was raised, with £2m of that coming from contributors in Scotland alone.

The show will celebrate its silver jubilee on Friday when Jackie Bird and pop star Darius team up with mascot Pudsey Bear on BBC One at 1900 GMT.

Fundraising events have begun taking place, with a world record 24-hour game of rugby already completed in Glasgow.

Even BBC Scotland's political editor Brian Taylor has been involved, having his legs waxed in public along with Shetland MSP and Deputy Finance Minister Tavish Scott.

Other events include singer Natasha Bedingfield performing live in Stirling.

Organisers hope the 25th anniversary appeal will top last year's total raised.

THE air was sizzling when Darius came face to face with Jackie Bird . . . after the hunky pop idol revealed he had a 'crush' on the BBC newsreader.

The smitten pair were meeting up for the first time yesterday following Darius' confession he harboured a soft spot for her. But the good news for the lovesick singer was a relationship, albeit a professional one, was 'emphatically' on.

In fact, the celebrity pair could hardly keep their hands off each other as they launched Children in Need in Scotland.

Jackie, 40, admitted that Darius, who at 23 is almost half her age, was gorgeous and joked he was the only man for her.

But she did have reservations. She said: 'I read in the papers that Darius liked me and was flattered, but then friends told me it was when he was at school.'

The singer, who recently stormed back into the top ten with his hit single Kinda Love, then grabbed the presenter and held her close, saying: 'I'm sorry, did really say that?'

But Jackie obviously forgave him - she made sure she quashed rumours Darius was dating Geri Halliwell and said they were the new celebrity couple.

She said: 'Forget Ginger Spice, I'm the only ginger in his life now. And a romance between us is emphatically on.'

Darius, who split up with Lynx model Jacqui Ainsley this year, is also said to have given the elbow to actress Natasha Henstridge.

But, in a romantic gesture, he swept the new girl in his life into the air and vowed: 'I won't let you go, Jackie.'

She said: 'I'm happy with where Darius's hands are just now actually.'

But the frisky fun was all a front, of course, as they teamed up for Children in Need's Scottish coverage. Darius said: 'I sang on Children in Need two years ago and Jackie said I should come back. So here I am, two years later, fulfilling my promise. It's a dream to work on this.'

It's make or break time for reality TV star Darius - his album has bombed & he has been told his next single success is crucial.

The singer won fans over on two reality TV shows - Pop stars & Pop Idol, but it appeard they are not overcome with emotion with his latest outing.

Darius himself is proud of the album & told my mole that he thinks it will take until single three for the whole album to take off - brave talk in these dangerous times when stars get dropped for failing to land their singles in the top 10. Still I hear that if his pop career fades he will be looking at the world of musicals.

SCOTS rugby stars, backed by BBC newscaster Jackie Bird and pop star Darius, helped Pudsey Bear create a world record for this year's Children in Need appeal. Members of the Scotland team staged a 24-hour game of touch rugby in Glasgow city centre to raise cash for the annual charity fundraiser. Former Scotland captain Andy Nicol, Councillor Alex Mosson and a team from BBC Sport were among those taking part at the event in a purpose-built arena in George Square. Schools, universities and clubs also gave their support for the record-breaking ‘Scrum in the Square' – ahead of this Saturday's Scotland v Australia match at Hampden Park.

The event was just one of thousands which have taken place across the UK to help Children in Need celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. Twenty-four-year-old Darius was persuaded to front Children In Need by co-presenter Jackie Bird. He said: "I met Jackie while working on television last year and she said I was a natural presenter." The Bearsden-born singer added: "But I told her I would only do TV work for a worthwhile charity.
"And Children In Need more than fits that bill.
"It's something I feel absolutely passionate about."
Children In Need is on BBC 1 Scotland from 7pm.

Scots pop smoothie Darius Danesh can't wait to present Children in Need with Jackie Bird - because he had a CRUSH on her when he was at school.

The duo are teaming up for Friday night's big show on BBC One Scotland.

"I am not saying I didn't lust after her as a bormone-crazed teenager," said the 23-year -old pin-up.

"Despite her youthful looks, she is somewhat of a veteran in the job. So glamorous and young looking."

"I remember sitting watching Jackie when I was at school. Then, having met her just two years ago, realising she hasn't changed a bit."

Secret

"I also know that she, unlike a lot of singers and actreses, hasn't undergone the knife. I don't know what her secret is! But I have every confidence in her as my co-presenter. I am definitely going to be taking my lead from her."

Darius got his first taste of Children in Need when he sang at the last event two years ago.

He explained: "It was one of the TV performances that I really enjoyed. More exciting than performing on Top of the Pops. There was a general spirit of goodwill. It was a really wonderful night."

"Jackie said afterwards that I should try my hand at presenting. She asked if I would present Children in Need one day. Two years on, I am being true to my promise. Though he has a new single Kinda Love, in the charts, and a new album, Live Twice, to promote - he'll give his singng voice a rest on the night and stick to presenting the fund-raising links.

In February this year he rushed back to his family home in Glasgow after his father Booth was diagnosed with cancer.

Darius has also split from model girlfriend Jacqui Ainsley, and hit a period of writer's block as he approached the new album.

He added: "It has been a really emotional growing up journey for me. I feel as though I have learned some hard lessons."

While lads in the audience watched in awe as Natasha Bedingfield and girl group The 411 rocked the stage, the female fans couldn't get enough of hunky star Darius.

The singer sang a number of tracks from his new album Live Twice and said: "It's been really great performing much closer to the audience because it is a smaller venue than I would normally perform in. "It is a very intimate thing to do when you just have one or two instruments on the stage with everyone right there in front of you.

"It is a night I have been looking forward to for a while."

Darius, who ensured he completed his university course before signing up to the music industry, remembers his GCSE results day well.

"The anticipation and adrenaline was huge," he said.

"It was only comparable to that feeling when you have butterflies in your stomach because you are waiting to find out from the girl that you fancy whether she will go with you to the prom.

"I got a no from the girl but I got the results that I dreamed of, so I was lucky in that way," he laughed.

Praising the crowds who sang and cheered his every move, Darius said there was no place like Grimsby.

"I have been very lucky to perform in Hull now three or four times, and coming to Grimsby just over the water, it's always been so close and yet in many ways it has been so far," he said.

"The crowd were fantastic and immediate in their response to everyone here - they have offered a very warm welcome.

"I think they are a very supportive crowd and I look forward to coming back and performing in Grimsby again."

Acknowledge- ment and inspiration is important for everyone, whatever stage in life you are at. Chart toppers Natasha Bedingfield, Darius, The 411 and Freefaller united to give hundreds of teenagers a completely free night of entertainment they will never forget.

The pop acts joined forces at the town's Auditorium to celebrate the successes of students from schools across the Grimsby area who achieved personal goals in GCSE exams earlier this year.

Hit after hit was blasted from the stage and across the airwaves thanks to partners Viking FM as some of the biggest current names in music delighted fans.

But for Natasha Bedingfield, fresh from recording the new Band Aid charity single in London, the night was all about the hundreds of people who were jigging away in front of her.

"This is their night, it is their success and that is why I am here," she said.

"There was a real atmosphere of celebration - a sense that all the hard work had been done and now it was time to kick back and party."

Fellow act Darius praised the Bright Start concert as being an excellent way of rewarding young people for their hard work.

"I think its a great initiative," he said.

"I think it is brilliant that the Grimsby Telegraph is working closely with Viking FM and it is fantastic that kids are being recognised and encouraged.

"Acknowledgement and inspiration is important for everyone, whatever stage in life you are at."

Not only did the night celebrate success, it helped to make dreams come true as former Caistor Yarborough School pupil Jess Williams found out.

The 16-year-old, of Romsey Court, Laceby Acres, was plucked from the audience to meet her idol Darius.

"It was brilliant - it was a dream come true," she beamed.

"This concert is a great idea. None of us thought it would be this good."

Grimsby Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor, who helped organise the event, was also among the crowds to enjoy the show.

"This concert was to help forget about the young vandals and teenage criminals for a second and remember the fantastic achievements of many thousands of youngsters across northern Lincolnshire," she said.

"It was an amazing night and it was fantastic to see the hundreds of young people celebrating success in a way they will always remember."

She added: "It seemed to be a great night with everyone really enjoying it, which was the important thing.

"I would like to thank everyone for making it happen and we will be thinking about next year's show very shortly."

Advisor for Aim Higher, Andy Clough, also thought the night was a success.

"I was delighted to see so many young people enjoying the fruits of their success," he said.

"I would like to thank Viking FM, the Grimsby Telegraph, the Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education and Grimsby Auditorium for hosting the event and all the bands who were absolutely superb.

"Everyone had a wonderful night."

The stars were out in force ensuring school pupils from across North East Lincolnshire really did get off to a Bright Start after their exams. Telegraph Entertainments Reporter KERRY BEADLING spoke to some of the young pop fans to find out what part of the concert had been the highlight for them. Nicola Leggett (16), from Western Technology School, said: "My favourite bits were Natasha Bedingfield and The 411. They were good singers and it was a really good night."

Gemma Wade (16), from Western Technology School, said: "I had a good night. Natasha Bedingfield was the best bit."

Kerry Laws (17), from Whitgift School, said: "I liked Darius because he was fit. All of the concert was good and I want to go see Darius again."

Katie Bateman (17), from Whitgift School, said: "I liked Natasha Bedingfield best. I only started to like her recently but I thought she was good tonight, especially when she sang These Words."

Kim Lawson (16), from Whitgift School, said: "I've been looking forward to coming to the concert. The 411 were good and I liked their dance routines."

Hayley Bateman (17), from Whitgift School, said: "I liked it when Darius grabbed my hand. I'm a big fan of his now and I've had a good night."

Carl Edwards (17), who used to go to Cordeaux School but now studies at Franklin College, said: "It was good. Lots of people from all ages came and it had a good atmosphere. One of the best bits was when Darius was singing. He's a good lad." J

ack Bennett (16), from Healing Comprehensive School, said: "I thought it was a good event and the best bit was The 411 because they were lovely ladies."

Mike Wright (16), who used to go to Healing Comprehensive School but now studies at Grimsby Institute, said: "Darius stole the show and Frencheryk were good. It's good to come along and hear good music. Darius was a legend."

James Williams (16), who used to go to Tollbar Business and Enterprise College but now studies at the Grimsby Institute, said: "My favourite bit was The 411 because of all of their talents. Noise Next Door were okay but some of the beginning acts were too chilled for me. When The 411 came out they lifted everyone."

Brendan Swift (16), who used to go to St Mary's Catholic School but now studies at the Grimsby Institute, said: "It was really good and got a lot better at the end. The 411 were the best part. I wasn't a big fan of them before but I am now."

Ricky Belding (16), from Whitgift School, said: "It was an awesome night. Natasha Bedingfield was pretty hot and The 411 were awesome as well. Darius was better than I thought he would be because he interacted with the crowd."

1 The Beatles - Blackbird
'I just think they changed the face of pop music as we know it.'

2 Blackstreet - No Diggity
'It's a really great production. This track redefined hip hop music.'

3 More Than Words - Extreme
'This is a classic acoustic track and I can't help singing along to it.'

4 Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
'That was a defniing track of that era, and it's a great dance tune as well.'

5 George Michael - Freedom '90
'George and Seal are my songwriting heroes. They can do no wrong.'

It was a glittering ceremony attended by celebrities past and present - but the real stars of the event were the ‘ordinary’ people of Lothian. Julia Horton meets the winners.

He wrote the song in response to the devastating news that his father had cancer.

But yesterday Scots heartthrob Darius dedicated his hit, Live Twice, to the winners at the latest glittering Forth Awards.

For while the awards at the Sheraton Hotel attracted star acts such as Darius, Wet Wet Wet and McFly as either presenters or recipients, their main purpose was to honour the heroic achievements of "ordinary" people in the Lothians - the real winners at the event.

Glaswegian Darius, whose mother and father were both in the audience, introduced his song with the words: "This was inspired by my dad’s cancer. It is an appreciation of life. I suppose today that’s what we are doing. It is an appreciation of all the award winners. This song is dedicated to them, and to everyone who has faced the prospect of losing a father."

The pop star was speaking after presenting the award for best teacher to Douglas Mitchell, head of languages at Trinity Academy, Edinburgh

DARIUS had everyone guessing about his romantic life when he dropped hints about a mystery woman during the Forth Awards.

The Scots singer, who was recently linked with actress Natasha Henstridge - who starred in the video for his track Kinda Love - said he was single at the moment. But he hinted that he was interested in someone but wasn't revealing her name. He said: 'You can be in love and not be attached. I am single just now but it's all about chemistry. If you chase something you never get it.'

Just this week, The Razz revealed Girls Aloud stunner Nadine Coyle has a secret fancy for Darius but he claimed he isn't interested. He said: 'I'm very flattered that she said it. But they are all fun.'

She's Too old and Too Wee says Darius

Pop hunk Darius last night slammed rumours that he been having a fling with Geri.

The 6ft 4in scots singer 24 insisted he and the 5f 33 year old spice girl are definitely not an item and never have been. Darius, whose previous lovers include lynx model jacqui Ainsley and Hollywood's Natasha Henstridge said "I am flattered that people would link me with someone as famous as Geri but lets face it she's nine years olderand 14 inches smaller than me so there's a few issues there that would make it a no go. We did meet at a charity function recently and have been out to dinner with mutual pals but that's as far as it goes. We are just mates. Geri's great fun and very beautiful but she's not my ideal woman and there's no naughty stuff going on between us."

Darius was speaking after he performed at the radio forth awards at the Sheraton hotel in Edinburgh. The heart throb delighted guests with accoustic rendition of his chart topping hit colourblind and new single live twice

Darius added, "I am living the single life just now with the kind of work schedule I have it is not fair to have a girlfriend and expect her to go along with all the nonsense . And as much as I am always being linked to famous women it's ordinary girls I like. When all the pop stars bit has calmed down a bit I would really like to meet a nice family orientated woman and fall in love."

Sheffield is set to feel the love in the City Centre at this year s City Lights event when pop idol Darius switches on the city s Christmas Lights. The event, sponsored by Kier Sheffield, will take place on Sunday 21 November and is set to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Darius will join Father Christmas, Lord Mayor Michael Pye and Hallam FM DJ Big John to turn on Sheffield s Christmas illuminations from the Town Hall balcony at 4.30pm.

Darius dived into the limelight on TV a couple of years ago and despite his cheesy singing, had the whole nation talking about him. A few months later the Scotsman was up on our screens again with a credible new image, proving that in showbiz you can live twice. Since then the 23-year-old has gone on to fulfil his dream of becoming a pop idol and has sold a platinum album.

This year s City Lights has been moved to a Sunday and to an earlier time of the day to make it even friendlier for families. It will run from 1 - 5pm, making it twice as long as previous years, to allow people to dip in and out of the entertainment and enjoy some Christmas Shopping.

Last year City Lights attracted crowds of 16,000 into the City Centre to see The Tweenies turn on the lights. Organisers are anticipating an even greater turn out this year as a result of Darius and because of the change in day and time.

Bob the Builder and Wendy will be making four special appearances at this year s City Lights. The programme of entertainment also includes Santa and his sleigh, real reindeer, craft market, snow machines, children s funfair rides, carol singing, brass bands, roast chestnuts and other traditional festive food, and face painting. Creative youngsters can even have a go at creating crazy Christmas carols and potty poems in the Central Library.

Family entertainment will be provided throughout the event on the Magic AM stage located in the Peace Gardens, with live music from Soul Story, a jazz band and a gospel choir.

City Lights is on Sunday 21 November from 1 - 5pm. The festive fun will take place across the City Centre, focused around the Peace Gardens, Fargate, Town Hall Square, Tudor Square, The Moor and the Winter Garden. Entry to the event is completely free.

Gill Furniss, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Environment & Sport said, This year s City Lights has more entertainment than ever before with Bob the Builder, snow machines, real reindeer, live music and lots, lots more. Moving the event to a Sunday and an early time slot is sure to appeal to families and enable those attending to enjoy some Christmas shopping. What s more Darius is sure to pull in the crowds when he switches on the Christmas lights.

CHART-TOPPING star Darius is coming to town to kick off Paisley’s Christmas festivities in style.

Town centre bosses yesterday revealed the singer will switch on the town’s Christmas lights.

And he will wow the crowds with his latest single, Kinda Love, which went straight into the top 10.

Darius, pictured right, will also sing his number one pop anthem Colourblind and Live Twice, which is due out later this year.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Paisley High Street for the switch-on, on Saturday, November 20, to welcome the star and see him live on stage.

Darius shot to fame after appearances on hit shows, Popstars and Pop Idol – including one infamous outing covering Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time.

While he didn’t win either show, he has secured a successful solo career, and released his second album at the end of October.

Town centre manager, Amanda Moulson, said yesterday: “We’re delighted that Darius will be switching on Paisley’s Christmas lights for 2004.

“Christmas is the biggest event in the town and we are determined that this year’s celebrations will be the best to date.

“Over the past few years Paisley has welcomed a range of stars including Morrissey and David Sneddon, who have performed in the town.

“It is testament to the growing status of Paisley that we can now add Darius to the list and we look forward to seeing many more celebrities come to visit.”

Darius will be joined on stage by top new boy band No Reason.

They will perform a string of songs including their first single, Man Like Me.

The day’s entertainment will be kicked-off at midday, with Clyde 1 DJs George Bowie, Gina McKie and Gavin Pearson hosting music, games and giveaways throughout the afternoon.

The ACCORD hospice will set up a huge marquee in County Square for the event, selling a range of Christmas goodies and home-baked treats.

Kids can also enjoy their own entertainment, with a funfair, bungee trampolining and face painting.

The lights will be switched on at 4.30pm.

POP idol Darius Danesh will kick-start the festive season in Paisley on Saturday when he switches on the town's Christmas lights.

Darius will wow the crowds with hit singles Girl In the Moon and Colourblind before lighting up the town centre by performing the official Christmas switch-on as part of a Clyde 1 party.

Thousands of fans are expected to turn out to see the former Pop Idol who has defied critics and gone on to forge a successful solo career. POP idol Darius

SCOTS crooner Darius will be switching on the Christmas lights in Paisley later this month. He'll also play a selection of hits, including Colourblind and Kinda Love, in Paisley High Street on Saturday November 20.

Darius will be joined by boyband No Reason, who hit the charts with their first single Man Like Me.

It was the moment that summed up the Great Scot Awards 2004.

There wasn't a dry eye in the house as actress Paula Sage, who has Down's Syndrome, performed Colourblind on stage with Darius.

Paula 24 of Cumbemauld, near Glasgow, sang the track in the movie Afterlife and happily did a repeat performance with her favourite pop star.

Darius revealed "Paula has been through so many struggles. I am truly touched she picked my song. Paula is a real star. She is the one who made the audience give us a standing ovation, I was just the guy with the guitar."

For Paula, who won an Unsung Hero award, the admiration was mutual. Hugging Darius, she joked: "This is me and my man. I am chuffed to bits with this award and I've been a massive fan of Darius for ages - he's made my night."

SANTA Claus yesterday flew in to meet sick kids at Glasgow's Yorkhill Hospital and give them presents.

He visited the hospital on behalf of charity When You Wish Upon A Star, who are flying youngsters from across Scotland to Lapland next month to visit Santa, along with pop star Darius.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Great Scottish Santa Run got a lot of lookalikes together, above, to promote their record-breaking bid in Edinburgh on December 12

EXCLUSIVE: DARIUS THE HORSE WHISPERER IN VIDEO SHOOT ..and the white horse is looking great too

By Lee-Ann Fullerton

SCOTS singer Darius uses his famous charm to calm down a horse in his latest video.

He writhed around on a bed with Hollywood actress Natasha Henstridge in his last shoot, but this time Darius was sharing the bill with a celebrity steed.

The same white stallion made a appearance in Brad Pitt's blockbuster,Troy.

Darius was in Malaga, Spain, filming the video to new single Live Twice, which he wrote after finding out about his dad's battle with cancer.

In the video, he is forced to chase the animal after it gallops off down the street and he turns horse whisperer to calm it down.

An insider revealed: 'The horse gets a bit jumpy in the video.

'Everyone stands rooted to the spot but Darius jumps into action and brings him back before it gets to the end of the street.

'He looks like a natural the way he calms it down. Anyone would think he's been taking lessons from Robert Redford, who starred in The Horse Whisperer.

'People were joking afterwards that the animal was being a bit of a prima donna by deciding the only people who could ride it were A--grade Hollywood celebs.

'But after Darius does his bit, the horse calms down completely.'

Dozens of locals turned up to see the star in action in the Spanish city's old town.

The 24-year-old Glaswegian even found time to get his shoes buffed up by a street cleaner, so he could look the part in his elegant designer suit. Darius has a soft spot for Andalucia and previously chose the area's spectacular coastline as the backdrop for his videoof Top 10 hit Kinda Love.

He was pictured romping on a giant sand dune with then-girlfriend Natasha Henstridge at a deserted beach near Costa de la Luz.

But the pair are no longer an item and Darius is rumoured to be dating Geri Halliwell after they met at a cancer charity fund-raiser.

DARIUS has revealed he suffered yet another embarrassing flashing moment.

The hunky Scot, who once revealed all during a Glasgow gig when he donned a kilt, showed more than he should have at one of P Diddy's parties in Miami.

Daring Darius, who has just released his 'Live Twice' album, was wearing white trousers without any underwear.

He only realised his trousers had become 'totally see-through' due to the light from a swimming pool when a female guest whispered to him that he was 'a little bit on show'.

He said: 'Because I'm a real Scot, I was going commando. Everybody could see everything! I was utterly mortified!'

POP idol Darius Danesh had an audience in floods of tears when he sang a new song inspired by his father's battle with cancer. Darius performed Live Twice at the Liverpool Empire Theatre during a concert to mark the 30th birthday of Radio City 96.7, a local independent station.

Darius explained the background to the song and fans and even other performers, including Rachel Stevens and Westlife, wept as he told how his dad Booth, 62, has put up a brave fight against lymphatic cancer. Doctors gave him just months to live when he was diagnosed in February, but thanks to a combination of medicine and meditation he has survived.

Darius said: "I played Live Twice to him in the hospital. He turned to me and said 'Darius this song needs to be heard. Don't put your life on hold for me. Keep going forward'."

Darius is convinced meditation has helped to drive away the cancer which had spread through his father's body at an alarming rate. He added: "The signs were that he wouldn't last the course of the conventional treatment.

"The cancer spread everywhere. Through his lymphs, into his bone marrow, into his spine. He shouldn't be here. He shouldn't be walking. But against all the odds, he has beaten what the doctors predicted."

Daniel Beddingfield and Lisa Stansfield also performed at the charity bash, where Ken Dodd, Kenny Dalglish and Gerry Marsden received lifetime achievement awards.

POP star Darius will provide after-dinner entertainment as the Prince's Trust celebrates the success of disadvantaged young people.

Presenting awards at the event at City Hall on Thursday will be Amanda Protheroe-Thomas, Bernie Latham (Hollyoaks), Rupert Moon, Nicola Heywood Thomas, Gary Beadle (EastEnders), Richard Mylan (Coupling) and Suzanne Packer (Casualty).

The Prince's Trust Cymru has provided innovative and trusted support to young people who have been looking to improve their own lives .

Some tickets are still available on 029 20 437 059.

Exclusive

Scottish pop stallion Darius plans to ride the horse Brad Pitt used in Troy in an epic new video.

The singer wants the promo for the title track of his new album Live Twice to be a tribute to his dying father.

Darius24, wrote the track for his dad Booth, while he was in hospital having cancer treatment.

Sadly the doctors have said there is nothing more they can do to help him.

A source told me "The director has arranged for Darius to ride the horse Brad Pitt did in Troy for the video Live Twice.

It's going to be a grand production and something for everyone to feel proud of.

The song is very personal to Darius so he wants to put his all into the filming. The team fly out to Malaga in Spain tomorrow" While going all out for the follow-up to recent hit Kinda Love, Darius has won over a string of celebrity fans, including fellow scot Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos.

My source explained "Darius was filming the Paul o' Grady show at the same time as Franz Ferdinand were in the ITV building recording the Frank Skinner Show.

They bumped into each other in the corridor and Alex stopped to introduce himself to Darius and asked him how he was doing.

They had a little chat about what they were both up to and wished each other the best for the future. Perhaps a kilted collaboration next