Eccentric character keeps being fondled affectionately (8)

I believe the answer is:

caressed

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'fondled affectionately' is the definition.
'caressed' can be an answer for 'fondled' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'affectionately' bit.

'eccentric character keeps being' is the wordplay.
'eccentric character' becomes 'card' (I've seen this before).
'keeps' is an insertion indicator.
'being' becomes 'esse' (I've seen this in other clues).
'card' placed around 'esse' is 'CARESSED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caressed that I've seen before include "Stroked with affection" , "Stroked gently and fondly" , "touched with love" , "Stroked lovingly, petted" , "Fondled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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