Opera singer Russell Watson is reported to be in "good form" after undergoing emergency surgery for a brain tumour.
According to reports, the 40-year-old singer is now conscious and is described as being in a "stable condition" after his three-hour operation.
Michael Stroud, executive director at the hospital where Watson is being treated, said today: "Russell is stabled and on good form and talking. He will be coming out of intensive care later today."
Watson underwent emergency surgery yesterday after taking ill while recording in studio on Tuesday.
An MRI scan showed the tumour that Watson had surgery on last year had regrown, causing him to suffer from severe headaches and loss of vision.
Watson was told he needed an emergency brain op, but delayed the procedure so he could see his young daughters before going into theatre.
Earlier a hospital spokeswoman said he was "at the stage expected" of a patient having undergone his operation but it was difficult to assess how well neuro-surgery has gone. "We must stress he's in a very critical condition. He will be very unwell for some considerable time," she added.
The Salford-born tenor used to be a factory worker and started on the road to stardom by singing in pubs and clubs in the North. He went on to sell more than four million albums worldwide.
