Will Young's twin brother Rupert dies after battle with mental health

Will Young’s twin brother Rupert has died at the age of 41.

The singer is mourning the tragic loss of his twin after a long battle with mental health.

A spokesperson for the Pop Idol winner confirmed Rupert’s death to The Sun newspaper on Monday and said the family are wracked with grief.

Rupert had previously spoken out about his struggles with depression and alcoholism, and was diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder – in 2005.

Read more: Will Young told his voice was 'too gay' after winning Pop Idol

Will, who was born 10-minutes before his non-identical twin, previously spoke about how hard it had been to walk away from his brother during his struggles with addiction.

He told the Daily Record in 2008: "It was the family stepping away that actually got him better. It's very tough having a family member who is an addict. 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.

Read more: Piers Morgan sparks huge backlash by mocking Will Young’s PTSD

"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."

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.