LIVERPOOL, England, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Singer Tommy Steele returned to Liverpool, England, on Monday to revisit the beloved statue, Eleanor Rigby, which he sculpted and gave to the city 21 years ago.
Upon seeing the sculpture, which he created as a bronze interpretation of the Beatles' famous song of the same name, Steele gave it a kiss and said it was wonderful to see Eleanor again.
"Coming back to Liverpool is like having a big cuddle," Steele said, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The city's dignitaries welcomed Steele, whom Lord Mayor Ron Gould described as an "adopted Scouser."
While in town, Steele met up with former shipmates from the Mauritania, the ship he worked out of Liverpool before he become one of Britain's best-loved singers and enjoyed a string of hits.
Steele also was a well-respected amateur artist, which led to the bronze statue.
The singer currently appears in the title role of the musical "Scrooge" at the Liverpool Empire.
