Singer-songwriter Will Young has announced a documentary about the death of his twin brother Rupert. The Pop Idol winner said he hopes the film will shine a light on the difficulties faced by people living with addiction.
Rupert Young took his own life when he was 41 years old. He had been battling alcoholism for 20 years.
The documentary, called Will Young: Losing my Twin Rupert, sees the singer set out to understand the impact of alcoholism on families - while coming to terms with his own grief. And while Will and his parents recall happier times with Rupert, the film looks at the stigma surrounding addiction, the difficulty in getting long-term treatment on the NHS and the tireless process of rehabilitation.
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When is Will Young: Losing my Twin Rupert going to be aired?
Will Young announced the documentary on Twitter, saying he was ‘honoured and proud’ to tell his brother’s story. He revealed that the film would be airing on Channel 4 on 10 May at 10pm.
In a statement about the documentary, he added: “It was very enlightening and emotional to make this film and I am extremely proud of everyone ’s involvement in it. I hope it shines a light on the difficulties that so many people face today in the UK with addiction and getting the necessary help.”
Rita Daniels, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, said: “We are very thankful to Will and his family for opening up about the sensitive and difficult topic of addiction and we hope Will’s profound tribute to his brother will go a long way to helping those going through similar issues.”
What happened to Rupert Young?
Rupert has been described as Will’s best friend as well his brother. Will has previously told how, in the weeks and months before his death, Rupert had been into hospital ‘countless times’ following suicide attempts.
Rupert died after falling from Westminster Bridge in London in July 2020. A coroner later ruled his death was suicide.
During the inquest it emerged that a few days before his death, paramedics had seen Rupert walking along the edge of the same bridge and he was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital. He had sneaked out of the hospital on the day he died, the hearing was told.
Speaking outside the court, Will said he believed his brother should have been seen by a psychiatrist.
He added: "It is my belief that it must or should have been obvious to all concerned that he was a high risk of suicide and should have been detained under the Mental Health Act for his own safety.
"Had this been done he might still be alive today. I know we are not the only family in this situation and I pray that lessons are learned from his situation and some of these deaths are prevented in the future."
