SO Will Young, the winner of the Pop Idol programme and chart topper for the second week running, has told the world that he is gay. So what?

Will is a loveable, charming young man with a great talent and I wish him a long and successful career in music. His sexual preferences are absolutely no one's business but his own, but he felt the need to 'come out' in the national dailies and I ask myself why?

As this is the 21st century, I cannot believe that we would deny such a bright young man his moment of fame simply because he prefers Michael to Michelle. Or is it that knowing human nature, the poor lad felt he ought to speak out before some spiteful jealous 'friend' decided to do the dirty on him and ruin his chances of continuing success?

I think Will Young's brave statement says an awful lot more about Joe Public than it does about him.

Good luck in the future, Will.

Ella Hirst,

Coggan Close,

South Bank, York.

Updated: 12:14 Saturday, March 16, 2002