Will Young's poignant message after twin brother Rupert's tragic death aged 41
The Pop Idol winner has spoken out following the sudden death of his twin brother Rupert, who had previously talked about his struggles with depression and alcoholism
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Will Young sent out a poignant message following the tragic sudden death of his twin brother Rupert.
The Pop Idol winner was left devastated following the death of his brother, who was born just 10 minutes after him.
Following the tragic news, Will took to his Instagram Story to share an image of a women walking through a field with her dog.
He captioned it with the moving message: "Signs are everywhere... we just need to look."
If you are affected by this story there are many people who would be happy to talk to you:
Samaritans
If you need to talk and don't know where to turn to, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your local branch.
SANEline
If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health problem, SANEline's helpline is open between 4.30pm and 10.30pm every day on 0300 304 7000.
Mind
The mental health charity Mind has resources aimed at helping you cope with and plan for a crisis. Visit their website for details on helplines, how to access crisis services and what to do if you're unable to get help yourself.
- In an emergency, dial 999 for urgent help
Will also reflected on his years in showbusiness, sharing a picture of the original contestant number he wore when he auditioned for Pop Idol.
Rupert, 41, had previously spoken about his struggles with alcohol and depression.
The sad death was announced by a friend of the family, who 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 was diagnosed with depressive mood disorder dysthymia in 2005 and had previously spoken about his struggles with living in his famous brother's shadow.
He told The Telegraph in 2008: "I woke up one morning and turned on the TV. 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."
Rupert said that he had been in and out of hospital 10 times and had been seen by top doctors and psychiatrists.
But he said that the "overloaded" mental health system meant that he was never "properly assessed".
After Rupert's death, a spokeswoman for Will said: "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."
Will, who rose to fame on the ITV show in 2002, has spoken in the past about trying to help his brother, as well as his own battles with mental health.
He told the Mirror in 2016: "I had always been the one sorting my brother out, and it was easier to do that than actually look at myself.
"I had thought I was coping well... but I became scared about going out and meeting people. I was going into loony, reclusive-pop-star mode."
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