Will Young has been left devastated after his twin brother Rupert has died aged 41 after a lengthy battle with mental health issues.
A spokeswoman for the family confirmed Rupert’s death, with sources saying the family has been left devastated.
A friend told The Sun: “Will’s relationship with Rupert had been tough over the years at times, and they had both spoken about the mental health problems which had made it challenging.
“But there were hopes he had turned a corner and they are a very loving family – and utterly devastated by his passing.”
Rupert had spoken openly about his struggles with depression and alcoholism.
Will has confirmed his twin brother Rupert has passed away (Image: Getty Images)
He had admitted that Will’s thrust into stardom after winning Pop Idol in 2002 affected their relationship.
Will previously opened up about his brother’s mental health battle, revealing how Rupert’s problems became so severe he had been forced to “walk away” from him.
He said: “It was the family stepping away that actually got him better.
Rupert previously opened up about his battle with depression and alcoholism (Image: Getty Images)
“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 catapulted into fame when he beat Gareth Gates to win Pop Idol in 2002, going on to achieve seven hugely successful albums – all reaching numbers one and two of the UK charts.
Will said he had to ‘walk away’ from his brother so he could seek help (Image: Getty Images)
In a 2008 interview, Rupert admitted that he struggled when he compared his life to Will’s newfound fame, revealing that the night before Will performed on Richard & Judy, he had been drinking with tramps in a car park.
He said: “There was William on Richard & Judy, giving the most amazing performance of one of his songs.
Tensions between the brothers increased when Will won Pop Idol in 2002 (Image: PA)
“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.”
Rupert opened up about comparing himself to Will after seeing him on Richard & Judy (Image: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
He added: “I was in and out of hospital more than 10 times.
“I saw the top doctors and psychiatrists in the country, but the mental health system here is overloaded…I was never actually properly assessed.
“They just told me I was an addict and that was why I was the way I was.”
“It took 20 years and huge expense to get me to a safe place. Those are not options that most other people have.”
A spokeswoman for Will tonight confirmed: “I can confirm that Will’s brother has very sadly passed away.
“We would like to request privacy for Will and his family during this very difficult and sad time.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
