Who Is Russell Watson? His Personal And Professional Details

From rags to riches and a stunning overcome with 2 pituitary tumors, Russell Watson, an English tenor's career as well as personal life journey seems quite an aspiring story. Starting from backstreet clubs, Watson's singing career turned professional in 1998 and earned him limelight with a performance on the stage at the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final.

The Salford, Greater Manchester, England-born records 13 studio albums, 5 compilation albums, and 5 singles (including a charity song Nothing Sacred – A Song For Kirsty). Including his debut album The Voice (released on September 25, 2000), Russell's other 2 albums: Encore and Reprise became a BPI platinum.

For sure, fans are well-aware of his career success with such mesmerizing voice & an impressive vocal range that grabbed him millions of dollars fortune. Now, it leaves a huge curiosity on Russell Watson's personal life; well, the father of 2 is married twice and enjoys a blissful relationship with his second wife. Further details are down stand by.

Who Is Russell Watson's Current Wife?

Although Russell's first marriage didn't work out, he seems to have already met his lucky charm (his second wife). Currently, the 54-year-old (born November 24, 1966) English tenor is in a marital relationship with his girlfriend-turned-wife (second), Louise Harris.

CAPTION: Russell Watson and his second wife Louise Harris married after 5 years of dating SOURCE: Wes Simpson Weddings

Reportedly, their wedding took place on August 19, 2015, in a fairytale ceremony at the mountain village of Benahavís, Spain. Rejoicing the throwback of their marriage, Watson, in November 2020 told Hello Magazine:

"Louise has taught me many things but most of all how to love. I have never been more content. It really is a fairytale ending."

Furthermore, the tenor went back in time to share his thoughts after seeing Lousie for the first time in the wedding gown (an ivory Ronald Joyce gown), claiming the moment as a combination of love, happiness, and pride.

The couple met in a restaurant in Alderley Edge and walked down the aisle after 5 years of dating.

As of now, they are yet to share the children of their own, though, Russell already fathers 2 children from his past relationship.

Is A Divorcee- Children With First Ex-Wife

Long before Russell turned professional (when he used to perform in North West clubs), he married Helen Watson. According to IMDB, the pair tied the knot in 1993 and remained together for 9 years before their divorce in 2002.

While in the relationship, he and his (now ex) spouse Helen welcomed 2 children, both daughters, Rebecca (b. 1995) and Hannah (b. 2000).

CAPTION: Watson and his then-wife Helen SOURCE: Daily Mail

Although there were allegations that Watson dumped Helen over the phone during his North America in 2001, he himself has always denied the claims. Moreover, the father of 2 was in a rumored relationship with Joy Montgomery, a barmaid whom he met during the tour in North America.

On the other, counter-claims state that Helen asked for divorce as overnight-famous Russell could barely manage the time for his family, that hollowed their relationship.

And after all these years, it seems fair to say the path of their life now is completely on a new turn. Since 2009, the former Mrs. Watson is in a marital relationship with Tony Roberts, an engineer.

How Watson Came To Fame Overnight?

After leaving Irlam and Cadishead High School with no GCE, Russell Watson began to work in the Youth Opportunities Programme as a bolt-cutter. Then, he married (wife Helen Watson) in the early 90s and began singing North West clubs to support his family.

Then, at one night on a suggestion of the Wigan Road Working Men's Club secretary, Watson sang the aria Nessun Dorma. Despite not being professional, his promising performance gained him applaud from many other classical figures.

In 1999, under a management deal with Ian Boasman, manager of the Bistro French restaurant in Preston, Russell sang 'God Save the Queen' in the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. 

CAPTION: English tenor Russell Watson got breakthrough in 1999 through performance during UEFA Champions League 1998-99 final SOURCE: Daily Express

Moreover, in 1999, he performed the song 'Barcelona' (by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé) at Old Trafford during the final match of Premier League, Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur.

Russell Watson's vocal texture was so in the hype that only a week after his performance in Old Trafford, he got to sing a full set duett with Caballé in UEFA Champions League Final between United and Bayern Munich.

Professional Career & Albums Releases

The English tenor signed a deal with record label Decca until 2009 and released 7 albums, out of 13 studio albums. It including his debut album The Voice (released in May 2001) which became a 2-time BPI Platinum certified and won Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards (in 2001 & 2002). It ranked #5 in UK Albums Chart.

Then, his second album Encore (2001) and third album Reprise (2002) became a back-to-back Platinum-certified album. 

Check out Russell Watson's albums:

He released a single 'Nothing Sacred – A Song for Kirsty' in 2004 for the campaign to raise £5 million for Francis House children's hospice in Didsbury, Manchester. Then-7 years old Kirsty Howard, a girl with a serious heart defect fronted the campaign.

Did you know? Before the formation of the band Velvet Revolver, Russell turned down the offer of former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash to be their singer in order to pursue his solo career.

How Much Is Russell Watson's Net Worth In 2020?

Without a doubt, through his journey from £90-a-week bolt-cutter to a famous tenor, Watson made a remarkable aid on his fortune and is a millionaire. As of November 2020, Russell has an estimated  £4 million ($5.34 million) net worth.

All thanks to his singing career journey of nearly 2 decades that grabbed him wide fame and earnings. Along with tours, he made a considerable sum of money through album sales.

On November 8, 2020, Watson was on the line-up of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (Series 20) alongside Victoria Derbyshire, Ruthie Henshall, and Jessica Plummer to name a few. The latest series of reality TV series premiered on November 15, while Russell entered on Day 4 (on November 18).

CAPTION: Russell Watson in Series 20 of  I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here SOURCE: Daily Mirror

Reportedly, he owns a £1.5  million mansion in Cheshire and a £5  million ultra-modern Thames-side penthouse.

Battle With Pituitary Tumour

By 2005, Russell Watson was experiencing headaches which he initially thought was due to stress. For the recording of his fifth album, That's Life, he flew to Los Angeles in September 2006 but he subsequently felt pressure in the head and gradually was losing clear vision.

The MRI scan showed that Watson was developing pituitary adenoma (tumor). The English tenor returned to the UK and underwent a 5-hour long surgery on September 24, 2006, at St George's Hospital in Tooting, South London. Reportedly, the doctors removed an eight-centimeter lump through Watson's nose as it was pressing his optic nerve.

CAPTION: Watson after his surgery of pituitary tumor SOURCE: Daily Express

After going through such a critical incident, he returned to work. It was all fine until October 24, 2007, when Russell became incapacitated while working on his sixth album Outside In, as a result of regrowth of the pituitary tumor and bleeding in the brain.

Watson underwent immediate emergency surgery at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester & was discharged on October 31, after a week in the Intensive Therapy Unit. Throughout his recovery, he went through an extensive rehabilitation program including radiotherapy.