This is a look back at the first official interview that Darius gave to the official Pop Idol website when he made it through to the final ten in December 2001.
DARIUS DANESH 21, studying English at Edinburgh University, from Glasgow.
Who is your pop idol?
Madonna
What's your star sign?
Leo
What would you like most about being a pop idol?
It would be great to help good causes. I think Geri Halliwell's fantastic the way she has helped breast cancer causes.
Have you got a partner?
No.
Describe your ideal partner
They would have to be understanding about my dreams and realise that for me to follow my career would be a rough ride for them.
Tell us a secret about yourself:
I cut my ponytail off because I wanted to give myself more of a chance when I wrestle with my six-year-old brother, Cyrus.
Have you ever met anyone famous:
A couple of years ago I met Sean Connery. He told me how he had started as a male model then got the break to be James Bond. He told me:" You only ever fail if you stop trying."
Which three words best describe you:
Inexplicable, dark and misunderstood.
Name three of your likes:
It's great when my brother's friends come round and we take them bowling or horse riding. I like sport and cinema
Name three of your dislikes:
Paperwork, office jobs and shallowness.