Russell Watson 'critical' after op

Singer Russell Watson remains in a critical condition in hospital but the signs are positive, hospital bosses have said.

The popular classical singer earlier underwent three hours of emergency surgery on a brain tumour but is now conscious and sitting up in bed talking, they added.

The father of two, aged 40, was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Cheshire, after falling ill on Wednesday.

Michael Stroud, executive director of the hospital, said: "Russell Watson was rushed into the Alexandra around 5pm (on Wednesday evening).

"He was recording in the studio when he suddenly became incapacitated with multiple symptoms including a dramatic deterioration of vision.

"After an MRI scan had shown regrowth of a previous brain tumour and some bleeding, he was recommended to undergo emergency surgery."

Mr Stroud added: "It is only 12 months since Russell first had surgery to remove a tumour that was diagnosed while recording in America.