Will Young is a singer-songwriter who shot to fame after winning the first series of ITV’s Pop Idol in 2002. Since then, he has sold over eight million albums worldwide, with all nine of his studio albums reaching the UK Top 5.
His latest, Light It Up (2024), marked his return to pop after a five-year break and led to a sold-out 56-date UK tour.
Will’s artistic instinct and deep connection with his audience have earned him longevity and acclaim across music and beyond.
He’s won two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as The Emcee in the West End revival of Cabaret. His screen work includes starring roles in Mrs Henderson Presents alongside Judi Dench, and ITV’s McDonald & Dodds.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Will has long supported a range of animal charities and consistently uses his platform to speak up for animals in need of adoption.
He has actively backed campaigns to end animal testing and fur farming in the UK, including launching a petition calling for a ban on animal testing in the UK, particularly on dogs. In 2015, he released the single What the World Needs Now in aid of WWF.
Will recently joined the dog food brand Miraculous Meals, which donates 50% of its profits to dog rescue centres across the UK. He’s also a proud pet parent to three dogs - Esme, Domino, and Diamond, whom he rescued from Los Angeles after they were at risk of euthanasia.
His involvement with Miraculous Meals is one more way he’s helping dogs currently facing uncertain futures in rescue centres.
He recently caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about his lifelong love of dogs, the joy of rescue, and why Domino always keeps him smiling.
Tell us all about all the dogs you've loved in your life.
I’ve been lucky to have A LOT of dogs. Our first 2 dogs as a family were a Dalmatian called Puppy and a mongrel called Asquith, who came from Battersea Dogs’ Home. They were energetic and fun-loving and loved the sprinkler.
Then we had a black lab called Blanche and her puppy Minou, who was the runt of the litter. We then had Flora, the granddaughter of Blanche, who was adorable, soft, and gentle, and hated us going on holiday.
Then there was Bentley, the runt of a litter again, who was a Dalmatian and partially deaf and blind. She was one of my favourites. Then two more labs, Maud and Effy, and I got my mother her first Dachshund, called Dora. She is miniature and black and tan and still with us.
Then a string of rescue sausages arrived, and I myself got Esme, the Border Terrier, who is 15 now. Very independent, loves the countryside and rabbits, digging holes, running along walls. She has dementia now, sadly.
Then Nelly, my Dachshund, became a great companion for Esme and sadly died aged 6. I have her portrait, and she was the most joyful, loving, bonkers dog I’ve ever met, and it breaks my heart to this day.
I then rescued two Pitbull mixes from LA, Domino and Diamond, who are the gentlest, loving, wonderful dogs to own. Bully breeds are very misunderstood.
You're obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life, and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn't ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
For my whole life, dogs have provided friendship, companionship, and unconditional love. Joy and sadness. Fun, games, and comfort. They are there for you, whatever the circumstances. They give you routine and connect you to a pure side of life.
What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?
I love going walking in the river with Domino, as it helps his joints and muscles, and it’s our little thing to do together. I love gardening with him, too; he follows me around.
I love taking Esme on her little walk around the church, as she is older and her mobility isn’t amazing, but she still loves it.
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You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who want to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work.
Listen to your gut. Follow your heart and follow your joy. Do what makes you happy and try not to follow the crowd. It’s about having fun, being brave, and not worrying about failure.
The best thing is that it still feels like a pretend job. I especially like collaborating with others. The worst is the lack of routine.
Here are our quick-fire questions. Are you ready?
Which do you prefer and why?
Big dogs or little dogs?
Big - easier to hug.
Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?
Calm and relaxed.
Dogs who do as they're asked most of the time or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?
Dogs that do what they like.
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
Either is fine, but as long as they are well-trained, they can run off.
Days off or days at work?
Days at work.
The fastest route or the scenic route?
Scenic route.
Nighttime or early morning?
Early morning.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
5 minutes ago, Domino was lying on the subbed.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Gardening, doing stuff around my house, hanging out with my partner, watching crap TV.
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Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
I draw birds.
What is your current favorite…?
TV show?
Rehearsal.
Album?
Pollen by Tennis.
Film?
Sword in the Stone.
Website?
BBC News.
Animal charity(s)?
Hope Rescue.
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life, do you think, and why?
Therapy.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
Playing the emcee on Cabaret, singing with James Brown, and singing with Queen, having lunch with THE Queen, and Burt Bacharach writing a song for me.
Finish the following sentence, "Dogs are..."...
Perfection.
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And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak, and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them, and what do you think that they'd say?
Are you happy? How can I make your life better?
This is an opportunity to talk about any causes, projects, business ventures, etc, that are important to you and you'd like us to tell our readers about.
I’m a Co-Founder of the dog food Miraculous Meals, which we created to help solve the growing dog rescue crisis.
Right now, rescue centres are stretched to the limit, and the heartbreaking reality is that this means thousands of dogs every year don’t get the second chance at life they deserve. Miraculous Meals makes it easy for dog lovers to make a real difference.
Our wholesome, naturally nutritious dog food turns your everyday purchase into meaningful action - with 50% of all profits donated to rescue centres. Our website is Miraculous Meals.
Thanks, Will!
