Now the man known to fans simply as The Voice will appear in Peterborough for a summer date at the Broadway Theatre.

The tenor will be in the city on Monday, July 14, and has continued to perform live across the world since he began treatment for a brain tumour last year.

His performance follows a sell-out show at the Broadway in March 2007, which saw Watson receive a standing ovation from well-wishers after his health scare.

Tickets are on sale now for the performance, and manager of the Broadway Theatre Dave King said fans have already snapped up seats.

"We're delighted to announce this date from Russell Watson, who really is one of the finest voices around today," he said.

"No sooner had we confirmed the date when the phones started to ring from people wanting tickets."

Watson (41) has sold millions of records worldwide, and has performed for the Emperor of Japan, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the late Pope John Paul II.

But his big break came when he was working 12-hour nightshifts in a nuts and bolts factory after he entered a local radio talent competition and beat 400 hopefuls to the top spot.

The dad-of-two handed in his notice and served his musical apprenticeship in clubs around the north west, but fame beckoned in 1999 when he was invited to Old Trafford to sing at the last match of Manchester United's successful Premiership campaign.

His performance of the World Cup anthem Nessun Dorma met with acclaim from the terraces, and Watson was soon snapped up by a record label for a five-album deal.

His debut album The Voice climbed to number one in the classical chart, and was only knocked off the top spot by his second release Encore.

Russell Watson will be at the Broadway Theatre on Monday, July 14. Tickets are priced £35, with front row seats on each tier available for £40. Call the box office on 01733 316100, or visit www.thebroadway theatre.co.uk

Source: Peterborough Evening Telegraph