Will Young's Struggle with Drug Use

Will Young, the singer who gained fame as the winner of the inaugural Pop Idol in 2002, has candidly discussed his struggles with drug use during a tumultuous period in his early career. In a recent appearance on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast, the 45-year-old artist recounted his initial experiences with drugs, describing a “wild phase” that began as he rose to stardom. Young humorously noted that he was “terrible” at taking drugs, recalling a memorable encounter with a drug dealer who introduced him to the lifestyle. Young also opened up about his participation in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, where he faced significant personal challenges. He revealed that he felt pressured to continue with the show despite not being well, citing concerns that withdrawing could jeopardize his future with the BBC. “I tried to pull out of it, but I was sort of pressured to do it,” he explained, highlighting the mental health struggles he faced during that time, including agoraphobia and flashbacks. The singer's revelations come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing, which has been rocked by allegations of abusive and inappropriate behavior behind the scenes. As the show prepares for its new season, two professional dancers, Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, have been dropped from the lineup, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the production. Young's experiences shed light on the pressures faced by contestants in the entertainment industry.