Will Young - pop entertainer

Pop Idol Winner 2002 - Born in January 1979, Will Young studied Ancient History, Politics and English as A Levels and gained a 2.2 degree in Politics at Exeter University in 2001. He lived in Well Street for a time and Duryard Hall of residence, singing in university productions including the musicals Sweet Charity and Oklahoma, both of which were staged at the Northcott Theatre. In his free time, he worked as a waiter at Harry's in Longbrook Street. When he won Pop Idol, the staff at Harry's were kept informed of his win with a TV in the restaurant, and they had a celebration. Will Young broke the record for singles sales in the UK on the first day, for a newcomer, and has performed for the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Members of Will Young's unofficial website forum raised over £600 to sponsor a seat for the refurbishment of the Exeter Northcott.

On 21 December 2008, despite feeling unwell, Will Young performed at Exeter Cathedral as the patron of Positive Action South West, in an event called A Christmas Celebration, featuring over 200 local children, along with Joss Ackland and Christopher Timothy. He became interested in Positive Action when, as a member of the Exeter University RAG Committee of the Guild of Students, he was one of the co-ordinators organising the yearly Safer Sex Ball. The event annually raises £20,000 for Positive Action. Will offered himself as patron just nine days after winning Pop Idol. As part of the Exeter Festival, Will Young performed his first solo concert for PASW at Killerton House in 2003, raising £23,000 in the process. He continues to visit Exeter from time to time and in October 2008, he helped re-launch Positive Action at the Hotel Barcelona.