Fans’ joy as Kay makes surprise appearance at charity comedy screening
Peter Kay delighted fans as he made a surprise public appearance at a charity screening for his comedy series Car Share.
The comedian, who cancelled his live tour due to “unforeseen family circumstances” in December, took to the stage at Blackpool Winter Gardens on Saturday.
The event was held to raise money for the Lily Foundation, which Kay previously described as “an inspiring charity” that helps to improve the lives of children with mitochondrial disease.
In footage of his brief appearance posted on Twitter, Kay, 44, told the audience: “Thank you very much for supporting the Lily Foundation raising money for mitochondrial disease. Very kind of you. I appreciate it.
“Enjoy the last ever episode of Car Share. Don’t tell anyone the end. Or tell anyone about any hedgehogs.” He added: “So thank you. Lots of love, enjoy, take care, bye-bye.”
The audience had gathered in Blackpool to see a sneak preview of the final episode of Car Share as well as an unscripted version.
Alison Moore, 45, said Kay appeared on stage after the interval between the episodes to a rapturous welcome. “People were shouting out that they loved him, some stood up to clap,” she said. “He just said a few words for a couple of minutes, it was really good to see him. He mentioned the Lily Foundation, the fundraising, and good on him too – it shows what a decent kind of bloke he is.
“He seemed really fine, relaxed and genuinely touched by the reaction he got. He’s held in such high regard up this way. It was just really good to see him.”
Fans took to Twitter to share their delight at his appearance and praise the final episodes of Car Share. One said the unscripted episode was “pure genius” and added that it was “a joy to see Peter on stage tonight”.
“Absolutely loved it and the man himself stepping on stage blew us away,” another wrote.
Kay had previously said there would be three charity screenings of his BBC comedy at the Blackpool venue.