London, Aug 26 : Russell Watson has topped a new list of 'Britain's Favourite Male Classical Singer'.

Watson, 41, who first shot to fame in 1999 after performing Nessun Dorma at Old Trafford, was named ahead of Welsh opera star Bryn Terfel, who was placed second in a joint poll run by Classic FM and Radio Times.

Andrea Bocelli came third, followed by Luciano Pavarotti at fourth position and Placido Domingo at fifth.

"The nation has spoken and this is proof - if proof was needed - that Russell Watson is indeed the People's Tenor. He has brought classical music out of the concert hall and into football stadiums and pop venues, introducing classical music to new audiences right across the UK," the Telegraph quoted DJ James Crick, as saying.

More than 30,000 people took part in the poll.

Britain's Favourite Male Classical Singer are:

1. Russell Watson

2. Bryn Terfel

3. Andrea Bocelli

4. Luciano Pavarotti

5. Placido Domingo

6. Simon Keenlyside

7. Jose Carreras

8. Thomas Allen

9. Roberto Alagna

10. Geraint Evans

ANI