Singer Will Young opens up about losing twin brother to suicide

Name: Lionfish revealed to be Will Young on The Masked Singer
Duration: 1 min 21 s
Description: Lionfish revealed to be Will Young on The Masked Singer

Julia Hunt

·Contributor

6 May 2022 at 11:31 am·2-min read

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) — Will Young and his twin brother Rupert. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Will Young has opened up about his grief over his twin brother’s suicide.

The singer’s brother Rupert took his own life in 2020 at the age of 41, after battling alcoholism for a long time.

Pop Idol star Young is set to address what happened in a new documentary entitled Will Young: Losing My Twin Rupert, and spoke to BBC Breakfast ahead of it airing later this month.

The star, 43, said he and his family wanted to tell their story as alcoholism – and what it’s like to live with someone who is an alcoholic - isn’t spoken about enough.

They also wanted to show others they are not alone.

“Because it’s a complex thing,” he said. “Because I miss my brother, he’s my best friend and my twin, and I don't miss the alcoholic."

Singer Will Young (L) and actor Rupert Young in 2008. (Emma Peios/WireImage)

Young told how Rupert had attempted to take his own life over 20 times but said he had never managed to have him sectioned.

Three days before he died he was brought into the hospital threatening to take his life.

"He wasn't even seen by an assistant psychiatrist, and he left, and he killed himself," said the singer.

Singer Will Young arrives at St Pancras Coroner's Court, London, for the inquest into death of his twin brother Rupert Young, 41, who died after falling from a bridge in August 2020. Picture date: Monday January 25, 2021. (Photo by Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images) — Will Young arrives at St Pancras Coroner's Court, London, for the inquest into death of his twin brother Rupert Young. (Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)

"And that, I have heard this story so many times.

"Feeling suicidal is not deemed strong enough to be sectioned. That seems extraordinary to me.”

Rupert was living with his brother and Young said by the end he was his twin’s carer.

“I was clearing up sick, urine, faeces…” he said.

Will Young performs live on stage as part of the Hampton Court Festival 2017 — Will Young is opening up in a new documentary. (PA)

“Plus then I’m trying to navigate a national health system which is woefully underfunded.”

Asked how difficult it was to have his brother living with him, the singer said: “It was difficult, and it is amazing what we do out of love for people.

“I just didn't want my brother to die so that was my decision. In the end I didn't manage to keep him alive, and that is part of my grief process."

Will Young: Losing My Twin Rupert is set to air on 10 May.

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

Watch: Lionfish revealed to be Will Young on The Masked Singer