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Statue plans for 'absolute legend' Chris Rea backed
The Gazette
|January 10, 2026
CALLS TO HONOUR PROUD TEESSIDER IN HOME TOWN
MIDDLESBROUGH'S politicians have thrown their weight behind a proposal that would see a new statue in the town.
Local musician Jamie Sample has been campaigning for the late Chris Rea to receive a permanent tribute in his hometown, following his death in December.
Alongside an online petition, Mr Sample appealed, on a recent radio appearance, to public officials to get on board with his idea - a call to action that has been well received.
MPs and mayors who represent Middlesbrough and beyond have voiced their support for Mr Sample's ambition.
During a radio appearance on Wednesday, the local musician voiced how "nice" it would be for the famous singer to receive a statue in a "prominent" Middlesbrough location, highlighting Rea's old family ice cream shop, which was on Linthorpe Road.
This story is from the January 10, 2026 edition of The Gazette.
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