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.

Watson 'critical' after surgery

Singer Russell Watson is in a critical condition in intensive care after undergoing brain surgery to remove an "aggressive" tumour.

The star is being treated at a private hospital in Greater Manchester.

The singer, who had a benign brain tumour removed last year, was recording on Wednesday when he was taken ill.

Michael Stroud from the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle said it was a "difficult" time for Watson's family and thanked fans for their good wishes.

Tumour returned

Mr Stroud said Watson was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday evening from a recording studio after becoming suddenly incapacitated.

He had a number of symptoms, including a "dramatic deterioration of vision".

An MRI scan revealed a re-growth of the previous tumour, accompanied by bleeding.

Watson's agent Giles Baxendale said on Thursday evening that the Salford-born singer faced a crucial 48 hours.

"It's been a tough day. He looks pretty grim. He's alive, that's the main thing," said Mr Baxendale.

"He's out and in intensive care. He's in a critical condition still and going to stay in intensive care for at least 24-48 hours.

"He's in and out of consciousness. He's spoken. He was having waves of consciousness."

Mr Baxendale thanked Watson's fans for their "overwhelming support" for the singer.

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.

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," it added.

'Worried sick'

Watson's manager Richard Thompson said: "Our thoughts are with Russell and his family."

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 devastated. 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.

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.

New album

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 on Sunday.

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

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.

He received a standing ovation and later landed a recording contract.