DARIUS Campbell has come a long way since auditioning for the TV talent show Popstars in which he did his own version of Britney Spear’s Hit Me Baby One More time.

Sixteen years ago Darius was on a seemingly endless quest for stardom.

First came ‘that’ audition and an unsuccessful attempt to reach the final of Popstars which spawned the pop band Hear’say.

Just one year later, Darius was back on our screens finishing third to two other ‘unknowns’ Gareth Gates and Will Young on the first series of Pop Idol.

From that point on, he hasn’t really looked back and in the process has proved himself one of the most versatile performers.

After all, how many other artists can boast of a number one single, a top 10 album, lead roles in several West End shows and being the producer of successful movie?

Next month Darius, now 36, will be in Manchester starring alongside Sheridan Smith in the show Funny Girl and even with his varied experience, he recognises that with this show he’s part of something special.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he said, “it is unique.”

Darius has been part of the show for almost two years from its first revival in London to its transfer into the West End and finally to its national tour.

“I do think this version is even better than we had in the West End,” he said. “We had the opportunity when it moved from the Chocolate Factory for us to tighten the ship for the run in the West End.

“Then when we moved from there, it was an opportunity for a couple of the loose ends to be tied up and a couple of areas to be expanded on. Fans that have seen the previous two incarnations seem to love this version as much if not more.

“I’m really pleased we are bringing the quality of a West End show on tour and that this is just the best version of it. We are all very proud of it.”

Darius play gambler Nick Arnstein in the musical which charts the rise of Fanny Brice from musical hall singer to Broadway star.

Darius is full of praise for his co-star Sheridan Smith.

“Her performance she just blows me away every single night,” he said. “As she always does, she has the audience in the palm of her hand.”

The stage show is based on a movie which made Barbra Streisand and star and which saw Omar Sharif play Nick.

“Nick is one of those roles that doesn’t come along that often,” said Darius. “Stepping into the shoes of Omar Sharif has been a joy.”

Ironically there is also a personal connection for Darius. His father Booth Danesh was a leading heart surgeon and was often nicknamed Dr Zhivago by his colleagues - the role made famous by Omar Sharif.

Darius appears to have moved seemlessly from pop star - his single Colourblind, which he also wrote, topped the charts - to high profile stage roles including Billy Flynn in Chicago, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.

In addition he won the TV series Popstar to Opera Star and has now embarked on a movie career, producing Imperium featuring Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

“I suppose it’s that kind of variety that keeps things interesting,” he said. “I’ve been really lucky to work with some of my heroes like Sir Tim Rice and Sir Trevor Nunn in the theatre and further back I’ve recorded music with producers such Steve Lillywhite

“Every time I work with someone like that, I feel like I’m back at university so I sharpen my pencil and I ‘m just like a sponge soaking up all that experience.”

Darius believes his varied career has helped him in the movie world.

“I suppose when you understand the performance side and the importance of story and structure, things which I’ve been studying being on the job for the last 17 years, it’s nice to be able to apply that in a new way,” he said.

Darius revealed that he is already working on his second movie.

“It will be Orlando Bloom’s next film,” he said. “I’ve just raised the finance for it and we have the most amazing script and director.

“ I can’t say much more at the moment, but it’s really exciting.”

For the moment, Darius will be making the most of his remaining time in Funny Girl - the show ends its tour in Manchester.

And he’s hoping for one very special performance in particular.

“My uncle is the artist, Harold Riley,” he said. “Even though he’s been ill recently, he’ll be there with my aunt and family one night.

“That’s going to be very emotional as he’s very much a living hero for me. He’s the only man to have painted Nelson Mandela, four Popes and various presidents. The stories he’s got are unbelievable.

“Manchester’s one of my favourite venues and the fact that people really special to me will be able to be there makes it even more special,” he said.

Funny Girl, Palace Theatre, Manchester, Monday, August 7 to Saturday, August 19. Details from 0844 871 3019