ON THE COVER Getting To Know… Russell Watson

The opera singer has triumphed over illness and treasures every moment – even being mistaken for a tribute act!

◆ I am never more alive than when I’m walking out from the side of the stage, with that light hitting my face and the cheers of the audience. And my confidence to get on stage and deliver an absolutely fantastic show is higher today than it’s ever been. ◆ At every concert we have people collecting for The Brain Tumour Charity. After my illness (Russell suffered two brain tumours 11 years ago) I will be on medication for the rest of my life, including daily injections to keep me alive. It’s better than being dead! Most people who have the type of tumour I had would not be coming back to work. But I am never going to let something like that define me. ◆ In the past, because I love being at home, I’d do silly things like driving to Portsmouth, doing a gig and then straight back. Now my wife Louise and I stay the night before, get up and have a nice breakfast so that it’s not so strenuous. There is nothing worse than not feeling fully fit and you know that that big note in Nessun Dorma is coming!! ◆ Louise and I have been married nearly three years. She is a fantastic support and is very understanding of what I do. Some concerts she will come to and stand at the side of the stage. Others she will stay home and walk our rescue dogs Poppy, Blaze and Muffin.

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF HIS CANZONID’AMORE TOUR EARLIER THIS YEAR, A FURTHER 27 UK DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2018. FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO BOOK PLEASE VISIT RUSSELLWATSON.COM