Russell Watson is back. And while ‘The Voice’ looks the same from the outside, albeit thinner, the world famous singer has gone through hell and back to get here. His well documented double brain tumour had him teetering on the edge of a mental abyss, but in the end his love for life won through and he has re-emerged better than ever before. Here, he bares his heart to Katherine MacAlister.

Russell Watson laughs when asked if he’d believe his own life story: “What, Salford factory worker turns into global superstar, gets two brain tumours and comes out on top, er no. Come on, it’s an odd story.”

It’s not just an odd story it’s a miraculous one, with a happy ending, and having had a long time to reflect on his own fortunes, Russell has decided he wouldn’t change a thing.

“Not a day goes past when I don’t consider my own mortality,” he says.

“Because when the wheels came off the wagon, I was looking down the barrel at the end of my life.

“But that doesn’t need to be as negative as people might think. I now feel really gifted and fortunate. You don’t go through all of that if not for a reason. And in a profound way it has made me a better human being and more appreciative, less intense, and a more loving and caring dad.

“That’s irreplaceable,” he says quietly, before adding: “So no, I didn’t want a brain tumour, but would I change it? No.”

What it takes to beat cancer twice is something only Russell knows. But if you believe in karma, you’ll be happy to learn that since his recovery Russell has met Louise, the woman of his dreams, released a new album La Voce and embarked on a huge tour which hits Oxford’s New Theatre on Monday.

And, interestingly, not only has Russell’s voice returned but it’s stronger, something about the tumour pressing against his nasal passages or vocal cords.

“There’s a new depth and power to it,” he accedes.

“So yes,” the 44-year-old smiles: “The thing that I most wanted to achieve has happened. The voice is back.

“And not only that, but the infrastructure that generates the noise I make, the strength and stamina I need to perform all that incredible material is back,” he says, before adding: “It’s been a long road and it’s been hard work, but we’re there…”

Russell’s confidence is unshakable, but that too is a skill he’s had to relearn. When he lost his voice, he wondered if his career was over and if he’d ever sing again. “That was particularly hard to come to terms with psychologically,” he says. “The second tumour affected me so badly. When I had the first tumour I only focused on the operation,” he says. “When I had the second one it was about getting out of intensive care. Then getting out of bed. Each time there was a different focal point.

“So even though I’m aware now that every day can be your last, I can’t live like that, so I just try to enjoy myself, and my main goal was always to get back in the saddle. I just wanted to get singing again.”

So was that his motivation to beat cancer? “No, definitely not. When I was ill, singing was the last thing on my mind. I was more concerned about living and being a capable father and being able to take my kids to the zoo.

“But all of my experiences have come out in my music. It’s who I am now. And on stage all that comes together and is where I feel completely comfortable. I love it… the audience, the places, the music. Bring on the dancing girls,” he chuckles.

“But I’m a stubborn bastard,” he continues. “My music is about making a connection. Put me in front of 90,000 people in a football stadium and I feel all their energy. It’s what I live for, that and my kids. There’s nothing bigger than that feeling. But to be honest I’m just happy to be alive, working and able to still sing, so I’m staying chirpy and enjoying every minute.”

* Russell Watson is appearing at Oxford’s New Theatre on Monday. Box office on 0844 8471588.