Will Young considered breaking his legs to escape performing on Strictly Come Dancing, it has been revealed.
The first ever Pop Idol winner, 39, has spoken about how feeling he ‘didn’t have the strength’ to fulfil his role was taking such a toll on his mental health in the weeks leading up to the hit BBC One show he was prepared to go to extreme lengths to avoid taking part.
Evergreen singer Will walked away from the celebrity TV competition in 2016 for “personal reasons” after just two appearances.
Read more: Strictly’s Karen Clifton opens up about difficult time after Will Young quit
Despite reports at the time claiming he quit after clashing with professional dance partner Karen Clifton, Will has confirmed his departure came due to his own concerns for his mental wellbeing.
Media speculation also laid the blame for his exit by claiming Will was not receptive to criticism, particularly after he told Len Goodman to “shut up” after the judge commented on his salsa dancing.
However, Will has revealed the depths of his depression to Event magazine – and how he was worried being involved in Strictly could do him “real damage”.
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“Mental illness is mental illness,” he said.
“I was unwell. In the weeks leading up to Strictly, all I could think about was how could I get out of doing the show.
“I knew I didn’t have the strength, that I wasn’t in the right place and that I would do myself real damage.”
He added: “I actually looked into the easiest way to break my legs so I couldn’t dance. That’s how bad it was.”
Will, who has previously revealed he has spent £500,000 on therapy, also said he “hated” being a pop star and vowed he would never release another single again.
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