Will Young was never ‘manipulated’ on Pop Idol as he reflects on X Factor’s demise: ‘I was lucky it was just a singing competition’

Will Young has said he was ‘lucky’ he wasn’t ‘manipulated’ on Pop Idol and believes X Factor needs to do some ‘soul searching’ following news of its axe.

The Leave Right Now singer, who shot to fame when he won the first series of the ITV talent contest in 2002, praised the show for doing things ‘properly’ as he joined today’s episode of BBC Breakfast.

‘I was very lucky Pop Idol was fairly naive actually and it was genuinely just a singing competition,’ Will opened up.

‘I think it can be tricky when there’s more outside sources at play, manipulating people.

‘We weren’t manipulated, we did just turn up and sing.’

‘I think it’s always good to have a bit of soul searching and maybe that is what X Factor needs to do,’ Will continued. ‘I’m really proud of Pop Idol because I think things were done properly.

Will had nothing but praise for Pop Idol (Picture: Getty)

‘We didn’t have social media and people didn’t know what was going to happen.

‘They didn’t go “Yeah I think one of these contestants might be around in 20 years time”. I think it’s probably a good thing and if things need to be redressed then I hope they are.’

Will’s comments were praised widely on social media, with one writing: ‘I so love Will Young. He always talks so eloquently. Great to see you looking so dapper.’

‘Always liked Will Young,’ added another. ‘A polite, gentle natured soul who came into the limelight in a way that was still so new and unknown at the time. So pleased after all these years he’s still doing so well, not many winners of these shows have continued to be successful like he has.’

More: The X Factor

Last month ITV has said there are ‘no current plans’ for another series of singing show The X Factor, which last aired in 2018.

The show had come under criticism in recent years from former contestants including Jedward and Misha B, who have claimed the show mistreats participants.

However, former winner Alexandra Burke has said she is ‘actually quite sad’ to see it go, adding: ‘I did have a wonderful experience on it.’

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.

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