Will Young would love to see ‘Pop Idol’ return to screens ahead of its 20th anniversary. 

Following news that Simon Cowell’s ‘The X Factor’ has been axed from ITV after 17 years, the singer – who won the show’s inaugural season – admits it “would be great” to have the programme back on screens. 

Asked by Magic FM about the potential return of the show, he said: “Not sure, but it is the 20th Anniversary next year… I think they should. I think it would be great!”

And Will, who released his eighth album ‘Crying on the Bathroom Floor’ last week, wouldn’t rule out a judging role on the show. 

“Yeah. I’d get some serious corrective surgery before, so people would be like, ‘Oh my god he hasn’t aged at all’ but creepily,” he laughed. 

“I had a little bit of Botox once, but I didn’t like it. I was smiling and it sort of squidged my face up, it was quite a few years ago. 

“But if ‘Pop Idol’ came back, I’d go the full face. New face, new name,” he said, joking, “I’d come back as Simon Cowell.”

Looking back on his time on the show, where he competed against Gareth Gates, Will admitted he had “so much fun,” especially during the latter stages of the contest. 

However, for his family it was a different story, with the Leave Right Now singer explaining: “I remember texting my dad… And I was like, “I’m on the [battle] bus,” and he sent me a message back.

“He said, “Yeah good boy, it’s cheaper than a taxi.” I was like, he doesn’t get this.”