Liverpool Free Press

Darius Is One Lucky Guy

Darius Danesh is quite possibly the tallest person ever to have finished third in a TV talent show.

He wears his 6ft 6ins frame well and is clearly excited about being back in Liverpool, even if it is a flying visit ahead of his lead role in the Guys and Dolls revival at the Empire later this month.

The 26 year old Glaswegian now divides his time between Britain and LA and is happy to squeeze musical theatre roles in between albums-the third is due next year.

Darius told Your Time "It's always a special performance in Liverpool as there is such a vibrancy and energy to the people, which comes across from the audience. It's a lot like Glasgow. I always feel like I'm home when I'm here. There's definitely going to be a few nights out while I'm in the city, revisting old haunts, but I'm not naming any names!"

Although best remembered as the brooding singer/songwriter from Popstars-and later from Pop Idol - Darius' forays to the stage are not far removed from the earliest moments of the day job.

He explained,"I started my professional career with the Scottish Opera as a teenager. It was from there I went to a rock band who needed a singer and that was really close to my heart, so I gave it a go."

In Guys and Dolls he plays Sky Masterson, the heavy gambler played by Marlon Brando in the 1950's movie adaptation and more recently, fellow scot Ewan Mc Gregor.

Darius said," I saw Ewan McGregor play Sky about 18 months ago when he was getting a bit disillusioned with the whole Hollywood thing and he was amazing. It was hugely flattering when they showed interest in me playing him. I wasn't able to at first as I was busy recording in LA. It's a big honour to be playing this role with such a history of great actors who have filled the shoes, but I have decided I won't let that overwhelm me."

With Sky being a man who can't say no to a bet, what would this cool cat claim to be his biggest gamble so far?

He thought carefully:"I suppose I bet on national TV in front of millions of people that I would have had a number one single by the time I was 30. I had one when I was 23, so that was a gamble that paid off. I am proud of my time on those shows, and I never feel ashamed talking about then. It's an old saying, but you have to recognise where you have come from to know where you are going."

It goes on to say what the dates of the tour are and there is also a competition.

Question- Which Scottish actor played Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls on stage before Darius?

Entries on a postcard to

Guys and Dolls comp.

Merseymart & Star

6 Allerton Road Liverpool L18 1LN

Closing date May 24th