Latest news with #EvolutionTour
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tenor Russell Watson awarded honorary degree by University of Greater Manchester
The singer, who has overcome two life-threatening brain tumours, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to music and the arts during a graduation ceremony for students from the Centre for Clinical and Biomedical Sciences. The classical crossover star was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 after experiencing blurred peripheral vision. The tumour was successfully removed during emergency surgery at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London. A year later, a recurrence on his pituitary gland required a second emergency operation at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester. Watson, who was conferred the title of doctor of arts (Hon DArts) at the ceremony on Friday, said: 'This is such an honour, I am so proud to be standing here today. 'My health battles graphically highlighted to me the amazing job done by staff in our NHS. 'I would not be here today without their wonderful care and support. 'So it is fantastic to see the University of Greater Manchester's continued commitment to training the healthcare workforce of the future and its new Medical School which I understand will welcome its first students in September. 'I want others to receive the kind of life-saving treatment that I did, to give that gift of time for which I'm so grateful every day.' Watson underwent intensive rehabilitation, hormone replacement therapy and struggled with mental health challenges during his recovery. At one point, doctors feared he would never sing again. But he returned to the stage and rebuilt his career. This year marks a quarter of a century since the release of his acclaimed debut album, The Voice, and he is due to embark on The Evolution Tour in October and November. Watson, who born into a working class family in Salford in the late 1960s, also praised the university's commitment to opportunity and inclusivity. 'It is fantastic that this university offers the chance for people from all backgrounds and ages to improve their lives for the better,' he said. 'People should be able to achieve their dreams with the right support and it is clear that you have been supported every step of the way. 'My diagnosis changed everything but I am living proof that you should never give up if you want to continue to do the thing you love. 'You should be so proud that you are here today celebrating your graduation. 'It is the result of a lot of hard work and determination and I am honoured to be sharing this moment with you.' Watson's Evolution Tour takes place throughout October and November and tickets are on sale now.
South Wales Guardian
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Tenor Russell Watson awarded honorary degree by University of Greater Manchester
The singer, who has overcome two life-threatening brain tumours, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to music and the arts during a graduation ceremony for students from the Centre for Clinical and Biomedical Sciences. The classical crossover star was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 after experiencing blurred peripheral vision. The tumour was successfully removed during emergency surgery at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London. A year later, a recurrence on his pituitary gland required a second emergency operation at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester. Watson, who was conferred the title of doctor of arts (Hon DArts) at the ceremony on Friday, said: 'This is such an honour, I am so proud to be standing here today. 'My health battles graphically highlighted to me the amazing job done by staff in our NHS. 'I would not be here today without their wonderful care and support. 'So it is fantastic to see the University of Greater Manchester's continued commitment to training the healthcare workforce of the future and its new Medical School which I understand will welcome its first students in September. 'I want others to receive the kind of life-saving treatment that I did, to give that gift of time for which I'm so grateful every day.' Watson underwent intensive rehabilitation, hormone replacement therapy and struggled with mental health challenges during his recovery. At one point, doctors feared he would never sing again. But he returned to the stage and rebuilt his career. This year marks a quarter of a century since the release of his acclaimed debut album, The Voice, and he is due to embark on The Evolution Tour in October and November. Watson, who born into a working class family in Salford in the late 1960s, also praised the university's commitment to opportunity and inclusivity. 'It is fantastic that this university offers the chance for people from all backgrounds and ages to improve their lives for the better,' he said. 'People should be able to achieve their dreams with the right support and it is clear that you have been supported every step of the way. 'My diagnosis changed everything but I am living proof that you should never give up if you want to continue to do the thing you love. 'You should be so proud that you are here today celebrating your graduation. 'It is the result of a lot of hard work and determination and I am honoured to be sharing this moment with you.' Watson's Evolution Tour takes place throughout October and November and tickets are on sale now.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly star Kai Widdrington makes first public appearance with girlfriend Chloe on first night of Evolution tour
STRICTLY Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington has finally made his first public appearance with girlfriend Chloe Wells on the first night of his Evolution tour. The Sun exclusively confirmed earlier this year that Kai, 29, had found love again with Chloe - nine months on from his bitter break-up with his Nadiya Bychkova, 35. 7 7 7 7 The loved-up pair have been gradually introducing their romance to fans, after they went Instagram official in April. Kai couldn't keep his hands off his stunning girlfriend, as she joined him to celebrate the first night of his Evolution tour. The new couple looked completely smitten with each other as they posed for the camera. At one point, Kai was seen planting a huge kiss on Chloe's cheek, as the pair went public with their romance. SMITTEN KAI It comes as Kai recently spoke about his relationship for the first time. Last month, the dancer told of how he is the "happiest" he has have ever been" and "in the best shape", before admitting he was in a "really good place." Speaking on ITV 's Lorraine, Kai admitted he had "made a few changes" in his life, said: "I'm feeling really good, I don't know what it is. "2025 is the half of 10 years, I'm turning 30 in August, and as you said things come at the perfect time. "I feel very very happy and it's largely down to my other half as well." LOVE STORY The Sun revealed earlier this year, how Kai had started seeing Chloe, who is an executive assistant for a firm in the City. Strictly's kai Widdrington breaks silence on new girlfriend after Nadiya split and gushes 'i'm the happiest i've ever been' A pal said at the time: 'Chloe and Kai met in a pub in West London and hit it off from the start. 'Chloe is a great girl and has absolutely no interest in the limelight; she just likes Kai for Kai. "They have a real laugh together and although it's early days, they're planning on moving in together in the coming months. 'Kai found it very damaging to his mental health having his past relationship with Nadiya played out in public, and thankfully Chloe has no interest at all in being in the spotlight. 7 7 "She also isn't a Strictly superfan which makes things easier. 'They're super-content, and Kai attributes a lot of his looking so well to being in a happier place in life thanks to her. They make a really cute couple.' Chloe, originally from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, now lives in London. This is Kai's first relationship following his break-up from Ukrainian pro, Nadiya, whom he dated for two years. The pair launched a sell-out tour but, awkwardly, were forced to dance together nightly whilst in the process of separating. Last year Nadiya gave an interview to promote her solo tour, and confirmed she and Kai were "no longer friends". 7
