I’m sorry but family must always come first

Comic Kay cancels his entire tour

PETER Kay has cancelled his UK tour due to ‘unforeseen circumstances.’

The comic announced his live comeback last month – his first live tour in eight years – selling out 22 nights at Manchester Arena across 2018 and 2019.

He was set to perform more than 100 shows around the country, starting in Birmingham in April 2018 and ending at London’s O2 in June 2019.

The Bolton comedian has also cancelled any other upcoming live commitments, including his charity Dance for Life shows.

In a statement, he said: “My sincerest apologies. The 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.”

Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment but said they understood why the decision was taken.

On Twitter, @laeire_ wrote: “Waited absolute years to see Peter Kay live and now his tour is cancelled, although family comes first, I hope it’s nothing too serious.”

@Siege wrote: “Can understand if u had tix for Peter Kay you’d be feeling dismayed at today’s news. But if u say ur “year has been ruined”, try to imagine how he must be feeling coping with something so significant in his family that he misses out on work. It’s not all about you.”

And @madds_j said: “When you finally get Peter Kay tickets and then he cancels the whole of his tour. Gutted! Sending love to his family though.”

His 2010 The Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour... Now On Tour, made the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time, playing to more than 1.2 million people over 112 shows.

The former Manchester Arena steward has played a total of 40 at the venue overall.

The ticket sales had helped Manchester Arena generate huge revenues at the end of its most challenging year. The venue was closed for almost four months after the terror attack on May 22. Last month, Kay also announced that his popular sitcom Car Share would return. Viewers were dismayed when the second series of the BBC comedy starring Peter Kay and Sian Gibson ended with their characters John and Kayleigh apparently parting forever.

But Kay admitted there would be a new unscripted episode and a series finale. A special finale episode was scheduled for broadcast next year – revealing just what happens next to John and Kayleigh.

He said: “We were completely overwhelmed by the response and even though we’ve no plans to write a third series we knew we couldn’t end the story there.”

Try to imagine how he must be feeling... coping with something so significant in his family Siege