Pop star Peter Andre praises Portsmouth as hundreds pack out book signing

Margaret Cox, 72, from Portsmouth was overwelmed when she met Peter Andre today Picture: Malcolm Wells (160906-5411)

The ‘Mysterious Girl’ singer met with fans to take pictures and sign copies of his new book, Between Us, leading to the shop to be mobbed by die-hard fans of thirty years to ten-year-old admirers.

Emotions were running high with many fans struggling to hold back the tears as the 43-year-old gave them a hug.

Mr Andre told The News: ‘It is so lovely to see so many people head out to see me.

Peter Andre with left, Teresa Kennedy, 55, and her daughter Natalie Brown, 35

Picture: Malcolm Wells (160906-5390) — Peter Andre with left, Teresa Kennedy, 55, and her daughter Natalie Brown, 35 Picture: Malcolm Wells (160906-5390)

‘When I’ve come down here to do concerts or signings before I’ve always been overwhelmed by the reaction that I get from Portsmouth.

‘It is so humbling to meet everybody and I would like to wish a big thank you to all that have come down, especially those who bought my book!’

One of the lucky fans who got to meet the star was Margaret Cox.

The 72-year-old from Milton broke down into tears at meeting Peter, saying she had been waiting decades to meet him in person.

Manager Sarah Tweedale gets a cheer from the crowd waiting to go into her branch of WH. Smith to meet Peter Andre Picture: Malcolm Wells (160906-5397)

She said: ‘I cannot believe I got so close to him. It just feels amazing that I managed to meet him after all this time.

‘I’ve been a fan of his for so long. It’s another item ticked off the bucket list!’

Upon seeing Mrs Cox’s tears, Mr Andre reassured her that ‘it was all going to be fine’ and gave her a hug to relax her.

She added: ‘He is such a genuine, lovely man. I was so touched that he took the time to talk to me.’

It was superfan Stacy Cleverly’s fifth time meeting her hero.

The 20-year-old from Southampton met the I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! star wearing a t-shirt depicting the singer topless and said she will always remain a fan because ‘he’s such a wonderful man.’

She said: ‘He has got something quite different about him. He has done so much for charities and other people that makes him really stand out from other celebrities.

Katie Hartill, 29, from Southsea added: ‘I’ve loved him ever since I was a little girl. He is so down to earth and is really just a man of the people.

‘Peter’s a family man and he shows that he cares for people, which really comes across when you meet him.

‘He is such a gentleman.’