Comedian Peter Kay has been forced to axe a performance following a medical procedure. The beloved entertainer broke the news via his social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. The funnyman has broken records with his ongoing tour, now in its third year, but Peter has regrettably had to scrap two forthcoming gigs.
The 52 year old Bolton native returned to the limelight last year, launching his first live comedy performances in 12 years this past December as part of an arena tour extending through 2025 owing to overwhelming public appetite.
This marks his inaugural live tour since 2010, when he secured the Guinness World Record for the most successful run ever, entertaining over 1.2 million audience members, reports the Mirror. Kay scrapped his previous tour in December 2017, citing “unforeseen family circumstances”.
An announcement issued on his social media declared: “SJM concerts announcement: We regret to inform you that due to a routine kidney stone procedure, Peter will be unable to perform his scheduled shows at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Sunday October 5 and Monday October 6.
“Following medical advice, Peter will be taking a period of time to rest and recover,” the statement continued.
Earlier this year, Peter made headlines for unfortunate reasons when he was captured on camera ejecting a heckler from his performance.
He stopped his act and instructed security to escort several audience members out after alleging they were ruining the experience for other patrons. However, Peter found himself in hot water after he referred to a fan he had ejected as “Lisa Riley”, sparking controversy with the heckler accusing him of being a “bully”.
By June, it appeared that Peter was ready to move on from the incident and focus on a new career path.
Peter announced that he has started writing what promises to be his most personal book yet. In a humorous nod to Bridget Jones’ Diary, the cover features the comedian’s face superimposed onto the iconic character.
Sharing the news, he said: “Introducing… Peter Kay’s Diary: The Monthly Memoir of a Boy from Bolton, Peter’s most personal and hilarious book yet. Join Peter for a laugh-out-loud journey through his life, month by month.”
A sneak peek of the book added: “Think of this autobiography as a twelve-month subscription to my memories and meanderings across the calendar year. With each month reflecting a different phase of my life, complete with dodgy decisions, bizarre plot twists and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.”
Earlier in February, Peter had an encounter with hecklers at his Better Late Than Never… Again! gig at Manchester’s AO Arena which didn’t go quite as planned. Despite insisting it wasn’t meant as an insult, and Lisa herself acknowledging there was no ill-intent, the woman involved was left feeling humiliated by the star.