dipity

William Robert Young BA (Exon) (born January 20, 1979) is a British singer and actor. He catapulted to fame in 2002 after winning the inaugural UK Pop Idol contest. He has continued to work very successfully in music, and also as an actor.

Young was born in Reading/Wokingham, Berkshire, with a non-identical twin, Rupert. He also has an older sister, Emma. He was educated at Horris Hill preparatory school and Wellington College.

Young read Politics at the University of Exeter. At university, some of his haunts included Timepiece, The Old Firehouse, and Harry's, where he used to work. In September 2001, he became a student at The Arts Educational Schools in Chiswick, London, starting a three-year course in musical theatre with a scholarship.

In February 2002 Young came to national prominence by winning the ITV television programme contest Pop Idol.

Contrary to press claims of being the under-dog, Will did not come from behind to win the contest. After having beaten the widely...

Created by dipity on Jan 24, 2008

Last updated: 03/11/10 at 10:29 PM

• Mrs. Henderson Presents
  2004

  Mrs Henderson Presents is an Academy Award-nominated comedy film of 2005 directed by Stephen Frears. It stars Bob Hoskins, Dame Judi Dench, Kelly Reilly and Will Young in his acting debut. The film is based on the true story of the Windmill Theatre in London. Eccentric 70-year-old widow Mrs Laura Henderson purchases it as a post-widowhood hobby, and appoints autocratic manager Vivian Van Damm. In 1932 they start a continuous variety review called 'Revudeville', but after other theatres in London copy this innovation, they begin to lose money. Mrs Henderson suggests they add female nudity similar to the Moulin Rouge in Paris. This is unprecedented in the United Kingdom. The Lord Chamberlain reluctantly allows this under the condition that the nude performers do not move so it can be considered art. Because the theatre's auditorium is below street level it is relatively safe during the bombing of London, and performances continue. The performers bravely go on with the show even during...,
  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413015

• Will Young's Birthday
  Jan 19, 1979

  Will Young was born