DeepSummary
Will Young, a multi-award winning singer, actor, author and activist, discusses his journey from winning the reality show Pop Idol in 2002 to facing intense homophobia and struggles with mental health. He talks about the abuse he endured at boarding school, being forced to come out publicly by a tabloid, and his complex PTSD and depression. Despite his success, selling over 10 million albums and winning prestigious awards, Young faced backlash and feeling unwelcome in the music industry because of his Pop Idol origins.
One of Young's lowest points was dropping out of Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 due to his poor mental health, even considering breaking his own leg to get out of the show. He discusses the intense pressure he felt and the savagery in the press that followed. However, this marked a turning point where he prioritized his well-being over his career for the first time.
Young also opens up about the challenges of his romantic relationships, particularly his second relationship, which was marked by jealousy, obsession, and a lack of self-worth. He reflects on the shame of being single and the societal pressure around relationships and parenthood. Despite the hardships, Young has found solace in his love for animals and his new album, Light It Up, celebrating his 40s and empowerment.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Will Young endured physical and psychological abuse at boarding school, which had a lasting impact on his mental health and self-worth.
- Young's experience on reality shows like Pop Idol and Strictly Come Dancing was marked by intense pressure, scrutiny, and struggles with mental health.
- Young faced significant homophobia and backlash from the music industry and the public due to his sexuality and his origins on Pop Idol.
- Romantic relationships were a source of struggle for Young, often exacerbating his insecurities and feelings of inadequacy.
- Despite his successes, Young has had to overcome periods of depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges throughout his career.
- Losing his twin brother, Rupert, to suicide was a traumatic experience for Young, but also provided him with a continued connection through dreams and visions.
- Young has found solace and comfort in his love for animals, which have been a constant source of support during difficult times.
- In his 40s, Young has embraced a newfound sense of empowerment and self-acceptance, celebrating this phase of his life through his latest album, Light It Up.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You know, as much training as you can do, basically, and then you do, if I remember, it's such a long time ago. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday of rehearsals. And I think the Fridays and the Saturdays are your kind of show days, basically, where you're in the studio most of the time. You can make really good friendships. Like, I made really good friendship with Rob Rinder. We're still friends now. We happen to be on the same season. Greg Rutherford. We got on really well. So even though I was there for three, there was a very weird moment with Anastasia. I remember, I think she refused to, like, do the dance off. Yeah, that was very scandalous. I spent most of the time out just sort of smoking, avoiding people. I was so unwell.“ by Will Young
- “Neither of us really believe, exactly. Neither of us really believe it's all a learning experience.“ by Will Young
- “And now I'm sort of at the stage where I'm like, well, in part, I sort of feel like I'm just getting going, actually.“ by Will Young
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Episode Information
How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment
4/24/24