1979 –
Will Young is the public school boy who shot to fame after beating Gareth Gates (who?!) to become the first ever “Pop Idol” in 2001.
He subsequently released a double A side single (Evergreen and Anything is Possible) which became the fastest-selling debut single ever in the UK.
Young was outed by a tabloid newspaper but it has not affected his popularity or success; he is still the darling of young girls and old grannies, as well as the odd young (and old) man. He has managed to keep his sexuality off the agenda and although he is involved in many charities you are unlikely to see him putting his name to any gay cause.
He has won two Brit Awards and recently turned to acting, appearing in the British film Mrs Henderson Presents, with the ubiquitous Judi Dench.
Robin, London