The 5-minute Interview: Will Young, Singer

'People think I'm very intelligent'

Will Young, 28, became the first 'Pop Idol' winner in 2000. His first single, 'Evergreen' was the fastest-selling debut in UK chart history. He is an ambassador for Mencap and will host the acoustic Little Noise Sessions at Islington's Union Chapel www.mencapmusic.org.uk

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Trying to separate my dogs fighting.

A phrase I use far too often...

"The thing about me is..."

The most surprising thing that happened to me...

Was when I became a professional singer.

The best age to be is...

Thirty – you've gained so much more perspective.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The elderly. In places like France, Italy, and Greece, they are so much more respected. Over here we just see them as "the elderly".

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm very intelligent because I'm well-spoken and read politics. I'm not that intelligent – my general knowledge is terrible.

I am not a politician...

But if I were, I would tell the truth. Politicans never speak completely honestly.

I'm good at...

Surfing.

I'm very bad at...

Maths.

In moments of weakness...

I cry.

You know me as a singer but in another life I'd have been...

African.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this...

Treat others as you want to be treated.

Katherine Soper