OPERA sensation Russell Watson is being sued for thousands of pounds by two companies who claim to have discovered him, it emerged today.

Union Music Ltd and Arias Ltd allege that Mr Watson - known as The Voice - dumped them after they catapulted the Salford singer to international stardom.

The companies claim to have bankrolled the 35-year-old when he was an unknown and were now entitled to that money back.

Mr Watson's solicitor disputed the claim and denied the singer owed his success to Union Music and Arias.

Joseph Shammah, of Shammah Nicholls solicitors, said the two companies took advantage of Mr Watson's inexperience to get him to sign an unfair contract.

Mr Watson was an unknown, singing in working men's clubs, when his career took off and has since performed in front of royalty and the Pope.