Rupert Young dead: Will Young devastated as twin brother dies aged 41
Singer Will Young and his family are said to be devastated by the loss of brother Rupert
Will Young is said to be devastated after his twin brother Rupert has died following a battle with mental health.
Rupert, 41, had spoken about his struggles with depression and alcoholism in the past.
A spokesperson for the Young family said they have been left wracked by grief over their loss.
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 was diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder – in 2005.
He previously said he struggled with living his famous brother’s shadow.
Speaking in a 2008 with The Telegraph, Rupert said: “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 he was in and out of hospital more than ten 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,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Will confirmed this evening: “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 shot to fame on Pop Idol in 2002, previously said he went into “survival mode” to support his twin brother over his troubles. However, as Rupert’s life settled, Will said he was then confronted with the reality of fame.
“I had always been the one sorting my brother out, and it was easier to do that than actually look at myself,” said Will.
“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.”
In 2012, Will was diagnosed with PTSD and checked into a trauma clinic for six months.
Four years later in 2016, he withdrew from starring in Strictly Come Dancing after three weeks, despite being an early favourite to win the series.
Will later revealed he made the decision after struggling with his mental health and said he felt sure he did the right thing as ‘there’s nothing worse than feeling trapped.’
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