Former X Factor starlet Danny Dearden's life has been cut tragically short, his manager confirmed today. The singer soared to the Judges House round back in 2014 under Mel B's mentorship before carving out a successful career on his own.

"Danny's passing has left us heartbroken," Denise Beighton, his manager, shared in an emotional statement: "Heartbroken to wake up to the news that you're gone. I have no words right now, rest easy beautiful boy."

Danny's talent shone brightly even after missing the final spots on Britain's much-loved television singing competition. At just 34 years old, he had already established himself as a formidable vocalist and songwriter.

In 2021, Danny's musical career hit a high note when he secured a deal with Sentric Music, following an impressive track record of over 15 million Spotify streams. His hit collaboration with French DJ Michael Calfan, titled Could Be With You, almost broke the 14 million mark on Spotify.

It earned its spurs on BBC Radio 1's Party Anthems with Scott Mills and didn't stop there it also graced the airwaves during an episode of ITV's Love Island, reports the Mirror.

Beyond the music, Danny was deeply dedicated to fighting bullying. He used his influence to promote safe online practices by visiting schools and offering guidance.

During his X Factor journey, Danny was in good company, competing alongside the likes of Jake Quickenden, Andrea Faustini, Jack Walton, Jordan Morris, and Paul Akister.

He performed Kelly Clarkson's Beautiful Disaster at Spice Girl Mel B's Judge's House in Mexico, where he was joined by Emma Bunton. In spite of a memorable performance, he ultimately lost out to contestants Faustini, Quickenden, and Akister.

Recalling his experience collaborating with Michael Calfan in 2018, Danny enthused about the partnership: "It was amazing working with him.

"At the time of the first session, when we wrote "It's Wrong", I hadn't had a lot of experience in a studio of that scale, so it was quite nerve-racking, but everyone made me feel at ease.

"He is one of the most down to earth people I've ever met, although it can be difficult at times because he has the strongest French accent I've ever heard, that mixed with my Northern/Lancashire/Manc accent we had to repeat ourselves a few times."

Reflecting on the success of the song, he said: "Yeah, it's mental that amount of streams, we are nearly at three-quarters of a million and we haven't even started the promotion we have planned yet. Seeing people like Martin Garrix and Martin Solveig add it to their personal playlist is crazy."

The cause of Danny's death remains unknown. In December 2023, Danny shared on Instagram how the NHS had saved his life, stating: "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 mentioned on social media last year that he had been struggling with his health.