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Russell to the rescue

15/ 2/2006

SALFORD tenor Russell Watson has stepped in to save the day after a shock departure from a major new TV show. Just The Two Of Us pairs celebrities with internationally renowned singers for a duet-singing showdown on BBC1 from next week.

But producers were faced with a big problem when Newton-le-Willows-born Rick Astley quit earlier this week, leaving Cutting It actress partner, Sian Reeves, in the lurch.

Now, opera star Russell has come to her rescue with just eight days before the first show, hosted by husband and wife team Vernon Kay and Tess Daly.

Eighties singer Rick had already appeared in trailers for the series and mystery surrounds his decision to leave.

Angry Sian, who played Sydney in the Manchester hairdressing drama, said: "We spent a week getting to know each other and learning the songs, so this is like being punched in the face."

Disillusioned

Rick - whose hits included Together Forever and Never Gonna Give You Up - was said to have become "disillusioned".

It's not the first time he's chosen to step out of the spotlight. In 2004, he was coaxed back to performing and recording more than a decade after he gave it all up.

And last year, he told the M.E.N: "I'm not prepared to leave my cosy home and family if I'm not loving it. If I really hate the process, I'll just go back in my cave again."

Sian and Russell are now working hard to catch up on lost rehearsal time. Eight couples will compete, singing with a live band. A panel of judges and viewer voting will decide on the winning duo.

Among those also taking part are Manchester-born ABC singer Martin Fry and TV host Gaby Roslin; Alexander O'Neal and news presenter Fiona Bruce; Curtis Stigers and GMTV's Penny Smith, plus Beverley Knight and Nicky Campbell.

The team behind Strictly Come Dancing has created the show, which begins a week tomorrow. It's the first time Bolton-born Vernon and Stockport-raised Tess have presented together on TV as husband and wife.

How do you think Russell will do? Let us know your thoughts.

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