Will Young is returning to music as he reveals he is recording a sequel to his Number 1 album Echoes

Will Young has announced that he is returning to music after previously hinting he was retiring from the industry. 

Last December Will said he was putting his music career on hold indefinitely while he focused on writing, acting and his podcast Homosapians, adding: "I could definitely see myself moving to Cornwall full-time and becoming a therapist."

Now he's revealed that he's back in the studio and recording a follow-up to his fifth album Echoes, which reached Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart in 2011. The synth-pop collection was co-produced by Richard X and Fred Falke and spawned the Top 10 single Jealousy. 

The original Pop Idol winner posted a view of the countryside from a window in a recording studio online with the caption: "View from studio album number 7! Echoes 2.

"Writing with my pals who I am ever thankful Jo Mc put me in touch with . I know she’s watching and dancing !"

Will Young has notched up 11 Top 10 hits and four Number 1 albums since winning Pop Idol in 2002. His winner's single, Evergreen, is one of the UK's best-selling songs of all time, while most recent record, 85% Proof, spent at week at the top of the Official Albums Chart in June 2015.

Five of his six studio albums have sold over half a million copies, with Friday's Child (1.7m) and Keep On (1m) shifting over one million. Look at Will Young's Official UK Chart history in full.