Prince blocks dentist's cover

The "singing dentist" has been prevented from putting his version of the Prince track Purple Rain on his debut album despite winning over record company bosses with his take on the song.

Andrew Bain, 35, landed a £1 million record deal in July after wowing record company SonyBMG with his operatic version of the ballad.

He planned to put his cover of the song on his first album, together with operatic versions of tracks by the likes of Abba and Snow Patrol.

But Andrew, who gave up his job fixing teeth after securing the record contract, has been told by Prince's publishers that he cannot put the track on the new album.

A spokesman for the singer said: "Andrew is absolutely thrilled with his debut album, but it is a huge personal blow to him that Prince has declined the use of Purple Rain.

"It is disappointing that the track that got him signed and was loved by the record company could jeopardise the album release, so it had to be removed."

Andrew said: "I have the utmost respect for Prince, without Purple Rain I wouldn't be where I am today."

He is releasing his debut album, featuring versions of hits from David Essex, Whitney Houston, Bryan Adams and others, in September.