Peter Kay is something of a stranger to live TV and radio having been out of the spotlight for a number of years. And it appears to have shown as he had to issue an apology to listeners of Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show on Wednesday morning (November 9).
The comedian was on the live radio show to chat to his fellow northern star about his brand new tour. Peter surprised and thrilled fans when he announced he was heading back on the road with a typically humorous and brilliant advert in a break from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here's launch show on Sunday.
The special advert revealed that Peter's huge new UK comedy tour, aptly titled the Better Late Than Never Tour, will open in just a matter of weeks, starting on home turf with two nights at Manchester's AO Arena. Bolton's very own comedy superstar will appear live on stage in Manchester on December 2 and 3 before heading off across the county with dates all over the UK and Ireland announced for throughout 2023.
READ MORE: Peter Kay shares heartfelt message to fans after 'overwhelming' reaction to comeback
The string of live shows, which now includes a residency at London's 02 Arena, marks his first stand-up tour in 12 years. While fans flocked to find out more, Peter shared his own surprise as the announcement of his tour made the top headlines on the news. "I could not get over... I was lying in bed with Susan [his wife] on Monday night because I had a show, a practice, and Huw Edwards was on the news with a picture of me behind him. He was doing the Queen's funeral and he's talking about me!
"I'm going, 'I'm on the news! The main news! This is ridiculous.'" Peter then quipped: "I thought it's got to be a slow news day, hasn't it?" But it wasn't long into his chat with Zoe, which got off to a comical start with Bolton's comedy superstar tucking into some of the presenter's 'emergency snacks' before sharing his mum's reaction to his tour announcement, that Peter had to issue an apology.
After being complimented on his outfit, Peter bluntly, and hilariously, replied: "I'm just wearing a bloody polo shirt!" He then said: "Sorry I swore!" But Zoe asked "Did you?" clearly not hearing her guest's error.
Peter then added: "I apologise Britain for saying that word, bloody." But as he said it again, Zoe had to step in and commented: "I'm so sorry... you just said it again!" The comic replied: "I could have said it in the context of blood so there's an excuse on that.." before declaring: "I won't swear again..."
But Peter still proved his humble nature still remains after all these years as he and Zoe wrapped up their chat. "Thanks everybody and thanks, honestly... I really appreciate all what's been happening over the last few days," he said. "It's been so lovely and so nice. [It's] proper overwhelming. So thank you very much." Peter also added: "I hope I do you a good show."
It comes after fans have already been hailing the Phoenix Nights star during a run of 'secret' gigs which Peter claimed 'aren't secret' at Salford's Lowry Theatre. According to someone who got to witness him in action, the show includes new material as well as nods to some of his classic comedy moments that have made him one of the nation's best-loved stars.
Peter's return to stand-up comes four years after he was due to play a 100-gig nationwide comeback tour in 2018 - but only weeks later announced it was off due to "unforeseen family circumstances". Peter had, however, returned to the spotlight earlier this year for a series of Dance for Life charity gigs but this'll be the first time he goes solo to perform brand new material to his loyal following.
Peter’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest-selling comedy tour of all time which played to over 1.2m people. And he has announced tickets will be priced at £35 in his bid to help with the cost of living crisis - the same price as his previous tour. Tickets for Peter Kay’s nationwide tour go on sale Saturday 12th November at 10am
READ NEXT:
- ITV Coronation Street's Mollie Gallagher looks so different as she reveals Dancing On Ice partner - and it's her co-star's husband
- Stacey Solomon confuses fans with 'Christmas tree' as she reveals plans to hunt other people's gardens
- Gemma Atkinson melts hearts with daughter's 'Manc accent' as toddler responds to Gorka Marquez's BBC Strictly shout out
- Peter Gabriel announces new tour which is coming to Manchester - how to get tickets
- Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman are coming to Manchester for exclusive theatre run fresh from West End