Backstreet Boy Brian Litrell's fiancee once walked out on him, to save him from killing himself.

Foxy actress Leighanne Wallace threatened to walk out on Brian after he twice postponed a life saving operation to repair a hole in his heart. Instead he went on tour with the band.

Leighanne gave Brian the ultimatum, "Have the surgery or lose me and your health."

She adds, "It was really tearing me apart to know he was risking his life. Now he's been given a second chance and it's wonderful.

"He has a scar across his chest which reminds him every day how lucky he is to be alive. But there was no way I was going to let him die, even if that meant leaving him.

"His first few tour dates after the surgery were scary and he had oxygen at the ready backstage, but he's doing fine now." -- WENN