Darius World

Return of Darius

At Last I've Left the Old Me Behind

Darius Danesh comes clean about Simon Cowell, sexy fan mail and being nicked!

By John Marrs News of the World 24 October 2004

Do people still think of you as Pop Idol Darius?

In my head I'm in a different place to Popstars and Pop Idol. It's been three years now and when people come up to me in the street, they don't ask about Pop Idol.

Do you watch the X-Factor?

The X-Factor is fantastic - Simon Cowell is brilliant. Contrary to what people think, we're good friends. Whenever I'm in LA I give him a call. I know his girlfriend Terri Seymour and it's good that I can chat with him about silly stuff like cars. He's a great dinner guest, very charming and funny and isn't as cutting to people when he's not judging them.

Are you really dating Natasha Henstridge, who appears in your video for Kinda Love?

I have dated Natasha, but she lives in LA and I live in London so who knows what'll happen. She has taught me that a woman can be funny and intelligent as she is beautiful.

How did you meet her?

I saw her in the film The Whole Ten Yards with Bruce Willis, and I wanted to come up with a concept for my video. I thought, "I can ask" if she'd appear. She loved the song and she agreed to do it and we just hit it off from there. She didn't have a clue who I was and that was really refreshing.

Your album is called Live Twice. Why?

It's a song I wrote for my dad, who is suffering from terminal cancer. I played it to him in hospital and it brought a tear to his eye. He said the song deserved to be heard by people and could maybe inspire people - even if it's just a handful - going through the same thing. He's struggling for his life but he's inspiring me to live mine.

What's the strangest gift you've had from a fan?

I received a full box of unworn Agent Provocateur underwear with a card saying, "If you want me to model this for you, give me a call." She didn't send a picture, just her number written in lipstick on a perfumed card. I was tempted, but it was just a fleeting thought.

Have you ever been propositioned by a celebrity?

Yes, but I'm not saying who. It was the other night. I met her and she was very direct with me saying, "Here's my number, take me out." It was completely unexpected. I've never had that before. And no, I won't be calling.

How honest are you in interviews?

Other celebrities throw a wall up and you don't get to know them at all. I like to be honest, let go and open up. I wasn't honest about who I was when I was in Popstars - I was hiding behind a stupid goatie beard and ponytail.

Do you moan when your private life is splashed all over the papers?

Part of the fascination with celebrities is that we all want to be recognised and appreciated for what we do. Doing the job I do, I accept I will have less privacy than a mate of mine who does a nine to five job. But you can also use your profile to promote things like charities.

When was the last time you were star-struck?

I was in LA in the house of Blues and I watched one of my heroes, Seal, play. I was invited to meet him backstage and I just couldn't speak. He's very private he took me into his circle of family and friends, which was amazng. It was a big privilege.

What's the worst gig you've ever done?

I did one at school. An ex-girlfriend I'd written a song about turned up and I'd been completely cut up and hurt and I fluffed the song. It was awful. I could see her in the crowd and I didn't think she was coming.

What was your worst sexual experience?

It had something to do with a lot of alcohol and a jammed fly on my trousers and I'll say no more. Ouch!

Have you ever been arrested?

Yes, quite a few times actually, mainly for being drunk and disorderly when I was a student. And once some friends and I were trying to steal a moose's head from the student union, Italian Job-style. We got nicked halfway up a ladder. We didn't get charged, but we spent a night in a cell.

Kinda Love is out now and Live Twice is released tomorrow.