Darius Danesh funeral: Gerard Butler leads mourners at intimate service for late Pop Idol star

Gerard Butler led mourners at Darius Danesh’s funeral following his death at the age of 41 earlier this month.

The private service took place on Thursday at Bearsden Cross Parish Church on the outskirts of the late West End star’s hometown in Glasgow.

According to a report in The Scottish Sun, it was attended by around 100 mourners and included a lone piper playing the song Caledonia.

Ahead of the funeral, comedian Omid Djalili said: “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.”

Danesh - who originally shot to fame on reality TV competition Pop Idol in 2001 - was found dead in his Minnesota apartment in the US on August 11, days before his 42nd birthday.

His cause of death is currently unknown with an investigation ongoing.

Last week, Hollywood actor Butler paid tribute to his “brother in arms” by sharing a photo on Instagram of the pair smiling.

He wrote alongside the image: “I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms. 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.”