Russell Watson 'recovering well'

Singer Russell Watson is "recovering well" from emergency surgery on a brain tumour and is in a stable condition, a hospital official has said.

"He is talking for brief periods and has been eating small amounts of food," added Michael Stroud of the private Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle.

But medical staff had warned the star, who is 40, that the recovery process "may be a long haul", Mr Stroud said.

Watson fell ill during a recording session on Wednesday.

He had become suddenly incapacitated and had a number of symptoms, including a "dramatic deterioration of vision".

It is only 36 hours since his life was in danger so it is important for him and those around him to take things slowly Michael Stroud Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle

An MRI scan revealed a re-growth of a previous benign tumour, which was removed a year ago, accompanied by bleeding.

"Family members are with him," Mr Stroud said. "It is only 36 hours since his life was in danger so it is important for him and those around him to take things slowly."

He added that Watson's managers were "overwhelmed by the amount of support and messages from friends and fans".

"Russell will not have seen much of the enormous evidence of that caring from the public, yet he clearly feels the same," Mr Stroud said.

All of Watson's engagements have been put off until further notice.

The singer was due to perform before the American football match between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday.

Next week he was set to fly to Los Angeles to appear at a Bafta ceremony honouring British artists in the US.

Watson, who used to be a factory worker before he turned to singing, has sold more than four million albums worldwide. The tenor has two daughters, aged seven and 12.

His latest album, Outside In, is due for release on 26 November.