Background information

Some figures from the programme

• Now the biggest selling opera singer with albums spending 52 weeks on the charts
• Used to get paid £50 per week for one singing gig
• Graduated to making £135 for a three-gig set a night

Early life and education
Born and raised in Irlam, a suburb of Manchester, Russel had a typical upbringing. Uninterested in studying he left school at sixteen with no qualifications. With just one GCSE in English he found a job in a local factory serving as a lathe operator manufacturing nuts and bolts. The only thought of his future was to make enough money to go out drinking with his mates at the weekend.

First career decision
After a year working at the factory, Russel joined a karaoke competition and made it to the finals. A local booking agent signed him up and offered him three to four bookings a week and a bit of cash. He quit his factory job and began his life as a hired pub singer.

The turning point
After thirteen years of hard graft singing in clubs around the UK and often struggling to pay the bills, Russel was approached one night after a charity performance by the former chairman of Manchester United FC. After wowing the crowd of 57,000 people at Old Trafford his talents were brought to the attention of a major record label in London.

Conflict: the major and the minor
After years of paying his dues Russel refused to accept anything less than a lucrative contract after a meeting with big record executives. His raw talent and enthusiasm got him a deal the same day. At the age of 34 he was on his way to becoming an international singing sensation.

Resolution
Going from singing in men's clubs around the country to performing in places such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Sydney Opera House, Russel has achieved fame and fortune – and a very loyal fan base. This one-time factory worker has sung his way to the top.