X Factor star Danny Dearden’s death was announced today, leading to countless tributes for the star online. Its’ not known how the singer died, but his last social media post was snapped in hospital weeks before the heartbreaking news.
Danny was just 34 at the time of his death, after appearing on Simon Cowell‘s competition show when he was 23 and making an instant splash. The singer reached the Judge’s House stage in 2014, where he was mentored by Mel B before going on to forge a successful music career away from the show.
In a statement shared with the Mirror, Danny’s representative wrote: “We are heartbroken to announce the sad loss of our dear friend and artist Danny Dearden, who passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness.
“Danny was one of the most talented, hardworking people we have worked with and has made a big mark on the industry amassing more than 30 Million Streams and collaborating with huge dance names such as Michael Calfan and Dario G. RIP Danny.”
The musician had cryptically shared some details of health issues over the past couple of years, and his final post on Instagram showed him seeing the silver lining of a hospital trip.
Back in December, Danny snapped a photo of a Costa Coffee takeaway cup, with a blue curtain and medical equipment physical behind it. He hashtagged the photo “hot chocolate,” also adding: “The best thing slince sliced bread.”
Danny’s manager Denise Beighton was the one to break the news of his death today, writing online: “Heartbroken to wake up to the news that you’re gone. I have no words right now, rest easy beautiful boy.”
While Denise didn’t share any further details about her client’s cause of death, Danny’s hospital hot chocolate wasn’t his first time seeking medical attention in recent years.
Just a year before his last post, in December 2023, he revealed that the NHS had saved his life. In an Instagram post Danny shared: “This year has been a bit of a rocky one, at one point I was told I probably wouldn’t be here today…well I am.” He also spoke on social media last year saying he had not been in the “best of health recently.”
Singer John McDermott shared a touching message for Danny after the news broke of his death, claiming that the star died “early this morning.” The tenor, who had worked with Danny before, wrote: “It is with a heavy heart to hear of the passing of a great friend and such a talented artist Danny ‘D’ who passed away early this morning at the tender age of 34.
“My deepest condolences go out to his mum Cath and all his Family and friends at this heartbreaking time. R.I.P. Danny. We all loved you so, so much! No words right now a tragic loss to everyone and so talented too.”
John was one of many to share tributes for Danny, after he enjoyed a successful career following his X Factor success.
Back in 2021, he signed a deal with Sentric Music after amassing more than 15 million streams on Spotify, and his collaboration with French producer Michael Calfan, Could Be With You, has reached almost 14 million Spotify streams. It was played on BBC Radio 1 Party Anthems with Scott Mills, and also featured on ITV’s Love Island.
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