Will Young warns Matt Cardle of "tough moments" after 'X Factor' win

Will Young has advised Matt Cardle to handle his new music career "the right way".

The Pop Idol champ, who is currently number one on the UK album chart with Echoes, has warned reality singer signings to be careful over who they work with and trust in the industry.

Speaking to Metro, Young explained: "I have had periods where I haven't enjoyed it. If you align yourself with the wrong people who don't want the same things that you want, then I think you get in trouble."

He added: "Simon Fuller (Pop Idol creator and Young's manager) says that he has always managed me like he's always wanted me to be around for ten years.

"He would say, 'No, don't do that, we might make money from it, but it's going to harm you in the long run', so I think I really needed people like that around me."

Young also had some parting advice for past and future reality signings, including recent X Factor winner Matt Cardle, who will officially launch his solo career next month.

The 32-year-old warned: "You have tough moments, sometimes you act like a prat, sometimes you've got to just handle it in the right way and I think that's how you get on."

> Will Young: 'Pop Idol was the best ever experience'

Watch the music video for Will Young's new single 'Jealousy' below: