AceShowbiz - British pop star Will Young is the top role model for gay youngsters in Britain, according to a new survey. The singer 'came out' shortly after he won U.K. reality contest "Pop Idol" in 2002 and voters on rights group Stonewall's website have named him their favourite gay public figure.

The "Leave Right Now" hitmaker won 58 per cent of the vote, leaving Alison Goldfrapp trailing in second place with 15 per cent. Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke garnered 12 per cent to land third place, while 2009's "The X Factor" winner Joe McElderry, who revealed he is gay in July, came fourth with 10 per cent. Rapper Lady Sovereign rounded out the countdown with five per cent of votes.

Stonewall's Chief Executive Ben Summerskill says, "Pop culture is hugely influential to young people so it's encouraging to see more openly lesbian, gay and bisexual British pop stars. Joe McElderry is already recognised as a role model so the scene is now set for him to become every bit as popular with young gay people as Will Young."