Paddy McGuinness has revealed the real reason why he has decided to return to stand-up comedy after a six-year break – money.
The comedian made the honest admission during an appearance on Wednesday's This Morning while chatting with hosts Emma Willis and Rylan Clark.
When asked why he had decided to go on tour, McGuinness replied: "Erm, well the money's run out now so it took about eight years to spend it all and I'm like, 'I've got to build it back up'.
"So weirdly, writing a tour does take a lot of your time. When we had the break from Top Gear, I'd been planning it for a long time, I went, 'There's a window there'."
McGuinness, who shares three children with ex-wife Christine, first announced the news of his tour earlier this week on his Instagram page, telling fans: "I've been itching to tell you this!
"After a six year break I'm finally back on Tour!!! Paddy McGuinness - Nearly There. All pre ticket sale links in my Bio. See you in the New Year… live!!!!"
The former Take Me Out presenter will hit the road for a series of dates in late 2024 and early 2025, including one night at the London Palladium.
It comes after the BBC confirmed last month that it was halting production of his hit motoring series for the "foreseeable future".
A question mark had been hanging over the show's future since host Flintoff, 45, was taken to hospital in December 2022 after being badly hurt in an accident at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.
Following the crash, the BBC announced that it would pause production on the show, which was also co-presented by automotive journalist Chris Harris, as it felt it would be "inappropriate", adding there would be a health and safety review.
Following the broadcaster's latest decision, McGuinness responded by thanking fans for their support, along with a series of images highlighting his time on the show.
