X factor star dies aged 34 following 'long illness'
15 April 2025, 20:01 | Updated: 15 April 2025, 20:05
Former X factor star Danny Dearden has died aged 34, his music manager has confirmed.
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Danny Dearden, who appeared on the talent show in 2014, has passed away after a "long illness".
"Heartbroken to wake up to the news that you're gone. I have no words right now, rest easy beautiful boy," wrote his music manager Denise Beighton on social media.
Ms Beighton shared pictures of Dearden laughing and singing - one image showed the star and X Factor judge Simon Cowell.
The Mancunian singer was mentored by Mel B and guest judge Emma Bunton while In the Judges House stage of the show.
"That was a killer song, killer vocals and a slam-dunk of a performance!", Mel B said at the time.
Dearden didn't make it through to the live shows - but he dazzled the former Spice Girl with his rendition of If You Love Me by Brownstone.
Music management agency Upside UK issued a statement on Facebook reading: "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 [rest in peace] Danny."
The agency posted a video of Dearden singing his track Sleeping With The Moon.
He says on the track: "If you have ever lost someone in your life, this one is for you."
He went up against Paul Akister, Andrea Faustini, Jake Quickenden, Jordan Morris and Jack Walton in the boys category,
The 11th series of X Factor was won by Ben Haenow.
Fleur East finished in second place.
