Will Young’s twin brother Rupert has died after years of battling mental health issues.
Rupert, 41, previously spoke about his struggles with alcohol and depression, while also admitting his sibling’s Pop Idol win in 2002 had impacted their relationship.
He was diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder – in 2005.
The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, though a spokeswoman confirmed Rupert died yesterday, according to the Sun.
His family, including brother Will who was born 10 minutes before Rupert, are said to have been left wracked by grief.
A friend said: ‘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.’
Will Young and his twin brother Rupert pictured at a party in 2009. Rupert has now passed away
Rupert, 41, previously spoke about his struggles with alcohol and depression and his brother Will has also shared how it affected their family
Rupert would wear long-sleeved T-shirts for most of his life, to hide the scars of his self-harm.
In a 2008 interview, Rupert shared the extent of his struggles.
He 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.
‘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.’
He later got himself clean and set up the Mood Foundation, a charity that built a national database of private therapists who offered free, one-to-one treatment to anyone over 18 diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Singer Will has also previously opened up on his brother’s alcoholism, admitting he had once been forced to ‘walk away’.
He said: ‘It was the family stepping away that actually got him better.
‘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.
Rupert Young was accused of launching an unprovoked attack on a clubber, at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court on July 26, 2004
Rupert, 41, previously spoke about his struggles with alcohol and depression. He was diagnosed with dysthymia – a depressive mood disorder – in 2005
Will, who was born 10 minutes before his brother, has shared Rupert’s struggles with alcohol in the past
‘Me, my parents, my older sister, everyone. We all just had to walk away. We had to leave him.
‘There was a moment I remember, when I had to go to some awards thing. I had an album out, I was in a film and I was having a great time professionally.
‘I had to drive past the train station, and I knew that he’d been there for a day, just drinking.
‘But I knew I had to leave him alone. That was tough, of course it was, but you have to get on.
‘And in that respect being so involved in work was a great thing.
‘Otherwise I would have just stopped and it would have got on top of me much more.
‘It was very tricky.’
A spokeswoman for Will last night 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.’
Will previously revealed how he had been temporarily separated from his twin brother at birth, when Rupert was placed in an incubator due to illness, something which had caused the singer long-term psychological damage.
He later received six months of treatment for PTSD, triggered by their separation, his years of keeping his homosexuality a secret and being bullied at school.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.