Pop star Darius Danesh told today how he battled a drink problem in the wake of his humiliating exit from the reality TV show Popstars.

After 18 weeks the crooning is finally at a climax as Britain prepares to vote for its Pop Idol in the grand final of the programme which has gripped the nation.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly wore her heart on her chest today as she urged Pop Idol viewers: ‘‘Vote Darius’’.