WILL’S family are standing solidly by their famous son and
are “just so proud of him”.
His twin brother Rupert insisted yesterday that Will’s
decision to come out as a homosexual would not change anything.
He said: “William’s my twin and we are very close. I
have no problem with having a gay brother.
“It may be a shock to his fans but everyone around here
who knows Will has known for some time he’s gay.”
Will told his family of his sexuality three years ago when
he was still at university.
“We are a very open family – everything is relaxed, cool.
We are just so proud of him,” Rupert said at the family home near Hungerford,
Berkshire.
“We were a very close family before Pop Idol and all
William’s success has brought us even closer together.”
When asked if Will had anyone special in his life Rupert
added: “He’s so focused on his career at the moment, frankly he’s living the
life of a monk.”
Rupert denied Will was advised to delay his coming out
until after the long running Pop Idol series.
He said: “This was Will’s decision. It’s great this has
come out at a time when his career has exploded and is just at the start. We
are pleased we’ve got it out of the way.”
Will, who is busy working on his debut album, did not join
his parents, Robin and Annabel, Rupert and sister Emma, 26, for Mother’s Day
lunch yesterday.
Former Boyzone star Stephen Gately, who first told the
world he was gay in 1999 in The Sun, believes Will has done the right thing.
The Irish singer, 26, said: “It’s a very brave thing
that Will has done – he will get a lot of respect from his fans.”
Ó The Sun