Singer Will Young’s Twin Brother Dies at Age 41

Last updated: August 4, 2020 8:51 AM

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The Mood Foundation Thames Pedalo Challenge

LONDON - AUGUST 02: Singer Will Young (R) and Will Young's twin Brother Rupert Young (L) during the Thames Mood Foundation Pedalo Challange on the River Thames on August 2, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Singer Will Young‘s twin brother has died after a long battle with depression and alcoholism.

Rupert Young‘s death was confirmed by a spokeswoman for Will on Monday, August 3, 2020.

The “Leave Right Now” singer Will, 41, has yet to comment on his brother’s death, but he has been open about his relationship with his estranged sibling in the past, explaining the family stepped away from Rupert until he agreed to get help.

“It’s very tough having a family member who is an addict,” he said. “But when you’re dealing with that you eventually have to just stop and look after yourself. Me, my parents, my older sister, everyone. We all just had to walk away. We had to leave him.”

Will was propelled to fame in 2002 when he won ITV talent show Pop Idol, and Rupert admitted he struggled to come to terms with his brother’s fame.

He told The Telegraph in 2008: “There was William on Richard & Judy, giving the most amazing performance of one of his songs.

“I had spent the night before drinking with tramps in a car park and cutting myself.

“It seemed bizarre to me that two people who are genetically the same could behave in such different ways.

“I realised that something had gone very wrong. But I didn’t know what, or why, and nor did anyone else.”

Our thoughts go out to Will and his family.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.