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Brain surgery for Russell Watson Brain surgery for Russell Watson
(about 2 hours later)
Singer Russell Watson is undergoing surgery to remove an "aggressive" brain tumour, his manager has confirmed.Singer Russell Watson is undergoing surgery to remove an "aggressive" brain tumour, his manager has confirmed.
Watson is being treated at the private Alexandra Hospital in Cheshire, where surgery was due to begin at 0730 GMT. Watson is being treated at the private Alexandra Hospital in Cheshire, where surgery was due to begin this morning.
The singer was recording on Wednesday when he was taken ill. He had a benign brain tumour removed last year.The singer was recording on Wednesday when he was taken ill. He had a benign brain tumour removed last year.
"This is a new tumour and a far more aggressive tumour than the one before," said the 40-year-old tenor's manager, Richard Thompson."This is a new tumour and a far more aggressive tumour than the one before," said the 40-year-old tenor's manager, Richard Thompson.
The Salford-born singer, who used to be a factory worker before he turned to singing, has sold more than four million albums worldwide.The Salford-born singer, who used to be a factory worker before he turned to singing, has sold more than four million albums worldwide.
A message on Watson's official website confirmed "with much sadness" that the star was "in a critical condition".
"All our hopes, prayers and wishes are with him and we hope to bring more uplifting news later on today after he is out of the operating theatre," it continued.
'Complex surgery''Complex surgery'
A spokeswoman for the hospital in Cheadle confirmed that Watson was admitted on Wednesday afternoon.A spokeswoman for the hospital in Cheadle confirmed that Watson was admitted on Wednesday afternoon.
"Russell Watson is at the Alexandra Hospital. He came in yesterday afternoon. No other information can be given at this time.""Russell Watson is at the Alexandra Hospital. He came in yesterday afternoon. No other information can be given at this time."
She said the hospital was used to doing "complex surgery".She said the hospital was used to doing "complex surgery".
Watson (right) won BBC talent show Just The Two Of UsWatson (right) won BBC talent show Just The Two Of Us
Mr Thompson added: "Our thoughts are with Russell and his family."Mr Thompson added: "Our thoughts are with Russell and his family."
The tenor has two young daughters.The tenor has two young daughters.
Fans on Russell Watson UK, an unofficial fan site, posted their good wishes.
"I'm worried sick, I was in tears when I found out. Please God, get him through this," wrote one fan called Johanna.
Another posted: "This is such a shock, I am totally devestated. Dear Russell, my heart is going out to you with all the prayers to ask God to help you through this."
Watson had an operation to remove a benign brain tumour, called a pituitary adenoma, in September 2006.Watson had an operation to remove a benign brain tumour, called a pituitary adenoma, in September 2006.
The surgery took place at St George's Hospital in south London.The surgery took place at St George's Hospital in south London.
He recovered but was forced to cancel television appearances and postpone a UK tour.He recovered but was forced to cancel television appearances and postpone a UK tour.
His latest album, Outside In, is due for release on 26 November.His latest album, Outside In, is due for release on 26 November.
Watson found fame after the chairman of Manchester United invited him to sing Nessun Dorma ahead of the football team's last match of the season in 1999.Watson found fame after the chairman of Manchester United invited him to sing Nessun Dorma ahead of the football team's last match of the season in 1999.
He receievd a standing ovation and later landed a recording contract. He received a standing ovation and later landed a recording contract.