The bitch was back - well, almost.

Unlikely rumours circulating on the internet suggested that pop superstar Elton John was returning to Margate, where he holidayed as a youngster, to play a one-off surprise gig at the seafront piazza on Sunday afternoon.

But beneath the straw boater, outrageous suit,and oversized specs was an Elton tribute performer complete with mock white grand piano.

The wannabe Rocket Man powered his way through ballads and pop classics in fine style, including The Bitch Is Back, Your Song, Candle In The Wind, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Daniel in a two-hour set and was cheered on by the seaside crowd.