Peter Kay is set to return to the stage today (April 29) as his Dance For Life tour continues.
The beloved comedian will host his charity dance-a-thon at London's Alexandra Palace in aid of Cancer Research.
Originally meant to have taken place in 2020, the Dance For Life Tour was cancelled due to Covid-19, but now the dance-a-thons are back and Kay will continue his first tour in over a decade.
Despite his massive success, the stand-up comedian took a step back from the limelight in 2017, cancelling his Live Arena Tour and Dance For Life shows.
The 48-year-old returned for a two-night show in Manchester last year in aid of Laura Nuttall, a 20-year-old who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme – an aggressive brain tumour – in 2018.
Why did Peter Kay retire?
In December 2017 Kay announced that he would be taking a step back from the spotlight, cancelling his Live Arena Tour as well as all of his upcoming work projects due to "unforeseen family circumstances".
In a statement posted on his Twitter, he said: "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 stand-up 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.
"I’ve always endeavoured to protect my family’s privacy from the media. I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again I’m very sorry."
Peter Kay's family life
Further details surrounding his disappearance from the public eye remain a mystery, but Kay has spoken several times about how fame is not as important to him as his family.
The Bolton comedian is married to Susan Gargan, director of Goodnight Vienna Productions. The couple met in a nightclub in Bolton in 1998 and have been married for over 20 years.
In 2001 they welcomed their first child, Charlie Michael Kay. It's thought that the couple had two more children, but they made the decision to keep their names private.
Kay has previously spoken to the Mirror about the impact fatherhood had on him, saying: "Fatherhood has changed me, it has to change you. It makes you much more aware of the minutiae of life, it's not about your needs anymore, it's about everyone else's."
He was also vocal about his dislike of being away from his family, saying: "Once you have a family, the only downside of touring is touring."
After making his retreat in 2017 it was reported that the comedian and his family made a temporary move to Tipperary in Ireland.
