(11/10/00, 4 p.m. ET) - The Backstreet Boys returned to London on Thursday (November 9) for an in-store autograph signing of their latest single "Shape Of My Heart" at the Piccadilly Virgin Megastore. Only 500 fans were allowed in to meet the group, but it was still absolute mayhem outside on the streets as thousands of fans waited anxiously in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Backstreet Boys.

The group last toured the U.K. in June 1999, but said that they plan to return for several U.K. concert dates in the spring. Backstreet Boys Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and Kevin Richardson told the BBC at the signing/press conference that they were glad to receive such a pleasant welcome back in Britain. "This is the first time we've probably done this in a long time," said Carter, "so it's going to be fun. I love the season. I saw all the leaves on the ground outside. It's a nice time to be here."

"We got to the airport and we weren't really sure what the response was going to be," added Dorough, "and just seeing the press there and the photographers and the fans waiting outside was really a good welcoming back home to our single."

Said Richardson, "It was cool that it wasn't raining, because nine times out of 10 it is always raining when we land. Actually, the sun was shining. It was pretty."

-- Jason Gelman, New York