“For me, its Sky’s fearlessness and his sense of adventure – these are things that my parents would say about me.” Despite being squeezed out of the Pop Idol final by Gareth Gates and Will Young, Danesh was still offered a £1m contract by Cowell. He famously rejected it on the grounds that he wanted to write his own material. His first single, Colourblind, beat Britney Spears to number one and his debut album, Dive In, went platinum, proving Cowell and many others wrong about what he had to offer. Unfortunately, just as he was beginning to escape his reality-show persona, his father fell ill with cancer, which had a devastating effect on Danesh. He has described that time as a dark and contemplative – he felt guilty about not achieving the hopes his father, a surgeon, had for him to become a doctor or lawyer, and the fact this was compounded by the ridicule he suffered as a result of Pop Idol and Popstars. Incredibly, his father has made a full recovery, and the whole experience has given Danesh a new perspective on life. Does he think he’s a different person to who he was when he appeared on Pop Idol? The question amuses him and he laughs. “It’s a hard question – I don’t know whether I’m the same or more mature or immature. I don’t know if those experiences changed me or brought me closer to what I really am. I know that my life has changed.” For the better? “Yes, absolutely – I mean, I didn’t have anything to complain about before but I’m just very happy right now.” This happiness seems to be seeping from his very pores – he is incredibly enthusiastic and talks animatedly yet slowly, leaving you literally hanging on his every word. There’s certainly no display of the conceit he was criticised for on Pop Idol. Right now, Danesh is in the midst of writing his third album, splitting his time between LA (where he shares a mansion with Henstridge and her two children) and London. “I love LA, the lifestyle can be very healthy – I’ve taken up rock-climbing, diving and surfing – the weather’s fantastic so you can spend a lot of time outdoors,” he says. “But the best thing is being able to hear great live music all the time – people like Justin Timberlake, Seal, Black Eyed Peas and James Blunt, it’s all very inspiring.” So does he see himself more as an actor or a singer? “Oh dear – that’s like asking a mother to pick between her two favourite kids. “Me as a performer I couldn’t choose – being in the studio, recording, performing for thousands of people, taking on intricate and exciting characters and performing in theatre, they’re all gold dust.” He remains tight-lipped as to whether he and Henstridge, whom he met at a pedestrian crossing in LA, are planning to wed. “Our relationship is fantastic, it’s very difficult to be away but we don’t let a little drop of water like the Atlantic get in the way of things,” he reveals. “She’s been to Scotland and loved it – she may be coming over to Britain to shoot a movie, which could work out very well.” It’s been a year since he was last in Scotland and he talks excitedly about going back. “I’m really looking forward to taking Guys and Dolls to Scotland – I miss my parents and my brothers so much – I can’t wait. “All my family, as well as Natasha, will be in the audience – I’ll be very nervous,” he laughs. It’s difficult to believe his last comment, you get the impression that nothing fazes him. He is a boulder of charisma, from his walk down to his talk he naturally commands and thrives on attention. And it seems a little unfair that his name still appears to conjure amusement rather than respect. Admittedly he’s had his fair share of embarrassing moments, from Britney to the time he flashed his particulars at a school concert (while wearing a kilt in the traditional way, he got down on one knee and, well . . . ). But, having achieved so much when everyone expected so little, maybe it’s about time we gave the big guy a little credit.
DARIUS DANESH stars in Guys and Dolls at the Liverpool Empire from May 29-June 9
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