Darius is laid to rest: Gerard Butler among mourners paying tribute to Pop Idol star in Glasgow 

Pop Idol star Darius has been laid to rest in a service in Glasgow with friend and actor Gerard Butler among those in attendance.

The singer, 41, was found unresponsive in a room inside an apartment in Minnesota on August 11.

Around 100 mourners gathered to pay their respects to Darius with a lone piper playing song Caledonia during the procession.

Close friend Gerard Butler was among those saying goodbye to the star at the service in Glasgow, according to the Sun.

Pictured: Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh, pictured in May 2018 at The Ivy in London

The Hollywood actor, 52, previously paid tribute to his fellow Scot, calling him a ‘true brother in arms’.

He added: ‘My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus.

‘To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life.

‘He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist – nor would they want to!!! He was an incredible talent, a singer whose voice touched your soul and an actor with great presence.

‘But, most importantly, he had the heart of a lion. It was bigger and brighter than the sun and an energy so contagious he could light up a room in seconds.’

British comedian Omid Djalili also paid tribute to the late singer today in an emotional message shared online.

He wrote: ‘Funeral today in Bearsden, Glasgow for Darius Campbell Danesh. Such a lovely talented man gone way too soon.

‘People were always taken aback by how much of a true gentleman he was. God bless his soul. Rest in peace my brother.’

Darius was thought to have been just weeks away from a reunion tour with his former Pop Idol co-stars, with sources close to him claiming that he had been hugely ‘excited’ for the homecoming and UK comeback trip.

Stars of the show from across the world, including Queen singer and American Idol winner Adam Lambert, were due to be invited back with Thames TV filming at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End, reported The Sun.

Police have said there were ‘no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances’ as of yet while they await toxicology reports. Darius lived in the US and had been in a relationship with Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge. 

A statement released by his family read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh.

‘Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office.

‘The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances.

‘The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.

‘We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.’

Simon Cowell, 63, led the tributes to the late singer he first met in 2002 when he finished in third place on Pop Idol, as the music mogul released a statement honouring the star who passed exactly 20 years after he topped the charts with his critically-acclaimed single Colourblind.

Simon told MailOnline: ‘I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well. He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with. 

‘His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.’