Singer Russell Watson is critically ill with a brain tumour and has been taken into hospital to undergo 'complex surgery'.

The 40-year-old tenor, who has sold more than four million albums, was taken ill during a recording session on Thursday and is currently at the Alexandra private hospital in Cheshire.

A spokeswoman at the hospital confirmed that Watson was admitted yesterday afternoon, saying: "Russell Watson is at the Alexandra Hospital. He came in yesterday afternoon. No other information can be given at this time."

Last year Watson had a benign brain tumour removed, forcing him to cancel television appearances and delay his UK tour, but he recovered.

The singer's agent, Richard Thompson, said: "Our thoughts are with Russell and his family."