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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Alan Johnson

Peter Kay's 2023 tour announcement will be culmination of gradual return to spotlight

While news of Peter Kay 's potential tour announcement may have come as somewhat of a surprise, the star has slowly but surely been making a return to normality in recent times - five years after disappearing from the limelight for personal reasons.

It's been suggested that the 48-year old is set to reveal major comeback plans in the form of an arena tour, in which he will hit the road for the first time in over a decade.

In a rare public appearance in April, however, Peter was pictured at the launch of a new wheelchair-accessible 'wheelyboat' near Bolton - the comic's birthplace.

After telling onlooking fans he was doing "great" he was introduced as a guest of honour and presented with a gift.

Peter cracked a few jokes with delighted fans as he officially launched the boat that will offer disabled adults and children the opportunity to enjoy water-based sports and activities at The Anderton Centre for the first time.

Peter Kay last toured in 2011 (Getty)

Also last month, Peter embarked on his rescheduled six-night Dance For Life tour taking in dates in both Manchester and Liverpool, with London set to follow suit at the end of this month.

The three hour dance-a-thon events, in which the star is host and DJ, aim to raise significant amounts of money for Cancer Research UK.

Kicking off the tour wearing a rainbow sweatband on his head and a shell suit adorned with drawings of vinyl records, he opened the set with 'Agadoo' before pausing to tell the delighted audience "You don’t all have to look at me, you can dance!"

Earlier this month, meanwhile, pal and fellow north west comedian Jason Manford set tongues wagging further by hinting that Peter could return to stand-up "soon".

Speaking on Dublin radio station FM104's Strawberry Alarm Clock show, Jason said: "He's great, Pete. We've known each other a long time, it must be 25 years. It's been a hell of a ride.

"He's just an absolute legend isn't he? What a treasure. Hopefully back himself soon, doing stand-up, so keep your eye out for his tour. Not that he needs you to buy a ticket as much as I do."

And just last Last week the star stunned guests by appearing on stage at the Ivor Novello Awards in London to present an award dressed in a dapper two-piece suit.

Peter Kay was recently pictured at the launch of the Coulam Wheelyboat V17, a purpose-built fully wheelchair accessible powerboat near his hometown, Bolton. (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Peter announced he was stepping back from the public eye in 2017 in a series of messages on Twitter.

At the time he wrote: "Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects.

"This unfortunately includes my upcoming standup tour, Dance for Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.

"My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first."

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