BACK WITH A BANG
Peter Kay makes huge comeback hosting Dance for Life shows to raise money for Cancer Research UK
PETER Kay is making a comeback for the first time since he cancelled his first live stand-up tour in eight years for "family reasons".
The 46-year-old is returning to the spotlight to host Dance for Life shows in aid of Cancer Research UK.
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Three years ago he pulled out of his UK tour, telling fans: "My family must always come first".
Announcing his comeback, Peter told : "I’ve honestly never had so much fun as I had working on Dance for Life.
"The atmosphere was so happy and positive, it really is a great way to raise money for the worthiest of causes. All people have to do is turn up and dance.
“I’d also like to encourage people to get themselves sponsored via JustGiving.com where a special Dance For Life team page has been set up.”
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In 2017, Peter announced he was returning to the stage with a huge tour of the UK the following year.
He was booked to perform more than 100 dates in his Have Gags, Will Travel tour.
But in December that year, Peter announced it would not be going ahead.
Despite taking a back seat from showbiz, he was still on TV in May 2018 when the final episode of his award-winning sitcom Car Share aired.
It had already been filmed when Peter quit all further work projects.
The funnyman has rarely been seen in public since.
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Disappointed fans who had booked tickets to see Peter live on stage sent messages of support to him and his family.
Months later he fell victim to a cruel hoax on Twitter as trolls claimed he had died.
Telling fans he was quitting his tour, Peter wrote on Twitter at the time: "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.
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"I’ve always endeavoured to protect my family’s privacy from the media. I hope that the media and public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again, I’m very sorry."
Later this year he will return to host Dance for Life - a charitable event in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The dance-a-thon event has toured 14 UK arenas since 2016 and selling 75,000 tickets.
The six shows will take place in Liverpool, London and Manchester in April and May 2020.
Kay previously hosted 14 of his three-hour Dance for Life events across the UK before his break from showbiz.
It's still not known why the fiercely private comic - who has never revealed how many children he has - quit his 100-date tour.
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