FOUR time Brit Classical Awards winner, Russell Watson, has announced details of his 2017 tour which includes a date in Bournemouth this May.

The English tenor is the only artist ever to be number one in the classical charts in the US and the UK at the same time.

He will be performing songs from his latest album True Stories together with a selection of greatest hits from his career. He also has a new single out in May, Now and Forever.

Russell told the Echo: “I am really excited about my forthcoming tour as this is the first time I will be appearing live with an orchestra for a long time.

“It is also the first time I will be performing songs from my new album True Stories, an album I am extremely proud of.”

The self-styled ‘People’s Tenor’ has been singing since he was a child. and became known after performing at a working men’s club.

He came to attention in 1999 when he sang “God Save the Queen” at the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

His debut album titled The Voice was released in May 2001 and four others followed. However, an album planned for November 2006 was delayed due to the removal of a benign pituitary tumour. In October 2007, it was discovered that there had been a regrowth of the tumour and he underwent emergency surgery.

His sixth studio album, Outside In, was released in November 2007.

Russell is at the Bournemouth International Centre on Friday, May 12, call 0844 576 3000.