Royal Variety star dies, 52

AN opera star who sang for the Queen has collapsed and died while fighting to save an arts centre.

Karl Daymond, 52, fell ill before he was due to speak at the “emotional” meeting over the future of the venue in his home town.

The singer, who made two Royal Variety appearances, was “stressed” about speaking in public at the Drill Hall centre in Chepstow, South Wales.

Mayor Dale Rooke said: “Karl was one of those larger-than-life characters. It’s a huge, huge loss.”