peter kay tour surprise

Inside Peter Kay's 12-year hiatus as he announces comeback tour

Peter Kay crashed his own website on Sunday after announcing his first stand up tour in more than 12 years

• 16:33, 8 NOV 2022

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After a 12-year hiatus, Peter Kay is back with a number of different show dates across the UK.

Peter Kay crashed his own website on Sunday after announcing his first stand up tour in more than 12 years. Thousands of comedy fans flooded the site to find out more information, causing it to be overloaded with demand.

It was in 2010 that the Bolton-born star last toured with his 'The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour' show. Around 1.2million saw the show, breaking Guinness World Records for the biggest-selling comedy tour at the time.

READ MORE : Peter Kay announces stand-up comedy return with new tour including four North West gigs

Earlier this year, the comedian returned to the stage with his Dance For Life show in Manchester, London, and Liverpool in aid of Laura Nuttall, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2018. But, many have been left wondering what Peter has been doing for the last 12 years.

The Dance For Life show was forced to be postponed from 2020 because of Covid. However, before that the comedian had announced plans for another live tour entitled 'Have Gags, Will Travel', in 2017, although unfortunately this was cancelled due to unforeseen family circumstances, reports HullLive.

All 100 dates, which were set for the following Spring and were to continue for nearly a year, had to be scrapped. The comedian announced the decision on his website in December that year.

"Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects," he wrote. "This includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance for Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.

"My sincerest apologies," he continued, insisting the decision had not been 'taken lightly.'

"I'm sure you'll understand that my family must always come first." he said. "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."

How old is Peter Kay and who are his wife and children?

Born on July 2, 1973, the 49-year-old is one of the comedy scene's most famous faces. The funnyman has written, produced and acted in a number of television and film projects, as well as writing three books.

He studied media performance at the University of Salford before working part-time as a stand-up comedian. The comedian is married to Susan Gargan, who he married in 2001.

They have three children together – a teenage son called Charlie Michael Kay and two younger children, who the pair have kept shielded from the public eye. Kay and Gargan have also worked together and are the two directors of Goodnight Vienna Productions, which co-produces Kay’s comedy output.

Where did Peter Kay's career start?

His first-ever appearance on nation TV was in November 1997, when he made a brief cameo on Coronation Street. Appearing opposite Fred Elliott (John Savident) and Ashley Peacock (Casey Carswell), he played the role of a shopfitter who helped rebuild the corner shop.

Years later, in 2004, he appeared in two episodes as a different character, Eric Gartside and he briefly dated Shelly Unwin (Sally Lindsay). The comedians first original show on TV was That Peter Kay Thing, which was broadcast on Channel 4 and first hit our screens in the year 2000.

When did Peter Kay last go on tour?

In 2010, the comedian ran a popular live tour that made it into the Guinness World Record for being the biggest-selling run of all time.

Kay cancelled his last tour in December 2017 citing “unforeseen family circumstances”. But he did make a surprise return at a charity screening of his Bafta-winning TV series Car Share in 2018.

The dad-of-three returned to the stage in August 2021 for two special charity events to raise money for Laura Nuttall, a then 20-year-old with an aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.

What happened to Peter Kay during his hiatus?

In December 2017, he announced he was cancelling his Live Arena Tour and Dance For Life shows. The live arena tour had been due to kick off in April 2018, running until June 2019.

The news to cancel the tour was announced on his website and he insisted it wasn't a decision he had taken lightly. The statement read: "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."

After radio silence, in March 2018 he spoke out about what had happened. He tweeted about a charity night to raise awareness of mitochondrial disease through The Lily Foundation. In a blog post at the time, Peter wrote: “The Lily Foundation is an inspiring charity that helps to improve the lives of children with Mitochondrial Disease. I’ve had first-hand experience of the Foundation’s work and I’m proud to raise both awareness and much needed funds to help with the inspiring work they provide to children and their families.”

Peter, who still lives in his native Bolton, has spoken often about how important family is to him, choosing to avoid parties and red carpets for time at home with Susan and their children.

Where has Peter Kay been since?

According to LeicestershireLive , he was spotted on a tram tour around Blackpool in 2019 and in April 2020 he appeared on BBC’s Big Night In to recreate the video for Tony Christie’s Amarillo.

In April 2022, he took to the stage again to begin his first tour in 11 years, performing his Dance For Life show at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Good Friday. Further shows then took place in Liverpool in August.

He continued to do charity work and launched a new wheelchair accessible 'wheelyboat'. "It’s very lovely to be here today, I’m honoured to be asked to launch this fantastic wheelyboat, which I hope gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure and happiness out on the water," the dad-of-three said on Saturday.

All UK tour dates

• Fri 02 December 2022 Manchester AO Arena
• Sat 03 December 2022 Manchester AO Arena
• Sat 17 December 2022 Birmingham Utilita Arena
• Fri 06 January 2023 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
• Sat 07 January 2023 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
• Fri 20 January 2023 Leeds First Direct Arena
• Fri 17 February 2023 Sheffield Utilita Arena
• Thu 23 February 2023 Belfast SSE Arena
• Fri 24 February 2023 Belfast SSE Arena
• Thu 09 March 2023 Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Fri 10 March 2023 Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Thu 23 March 2023 Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• Thu 06 April 2023 Dublin 3Arena
• Fri 07 April 2023 Dublin 3Arena
• Fri 05 May 2023 Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Sat 06 May 2023 Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Fri 19 May 2023 Leeds First Direct Arena
• Fri 16 June 2023 Cardiff International Arena
• Sat 17 June 2023 Cardiff International Arena
• Fri 14 July 2023 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Sat 15 July 2023 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Fri 11 August 2023 Sheffield Utilita Arena
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Peter Kay review round-up: Comedian’s first live show in 12 years called ‘catnip’ for fans

'i've been looking forward to this for five years,' emotional comic said, article bookmarked.

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Peter Kay left fans and critics in hysterics during his first tour date in 12 years.

On Friday (2 December), the comedian, 49, returned to the stage after taking a lengthy hiatus from the spotlight.

Kay’s tour kicked at Manchester ’s AO and, as he came onto the stage, the comedy star was greeted by a standing ovation, which left him emotional .

“How am I supposed to do comedy now?” he said through tears. “I can’t believe you made me cry.”

Kay addressed his absence from the stage, telling the audience: “I love you too, in ways you’ll never know. I’ve been looking forward to this for five years.”

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Kay was originally set to go on tour in 2017, but cancelled for reasons he has never divulged. The show on Friday was the first of 110 arena dates the Bolton star will perform over the next two-and-a-half years.

The Guardian gave the set four stars, calling it “catnip” for his fans, writing: While the set never directly addresses the reasons for Kay’s temporary disappearance from public life, there is a section on his recent health challenges. In comic terms, it’s the strongest part of the show, as Kay rolls his eyes at the anaesthetist asking for a selfie, then recounts the indignities of his recent operation for kidney stones.”

The Telegraph also gave the show four stars, writing: “Anyone worrying that his funny bones would be creakier than usual need rest assured: Kay delivers the goods all over again, albeit they’re remarkably similar to what came before – the package he offers being one of comfort not edgy challenge.”

It was four stars from iNews , also, whose review read: “By the time the lights came up for an interval, I was enthused, not enthralled. This was the Peter Kay I’d watched on my TV as a child. I could watch this sort of comedy from the comfort of my own home. The second half assuaged all concerns of irrelevance.”

Meanwhile, The Times gave the set three stars, writing: “What started with a big sense of event turned anecdotal, meandering. A sense of “is this it?” started to descend.”

When tickets went on sale last month, fans faced huge online queues as they attempted to secure tickets.

Many reported seeing messages on the Ticketmaster website telling them there were more than 200,000 people ahead of them in the virtual line.

Tickets are currently sold out until 2025.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Peter Kay tests out new material in ‘secret gigs’ around UK ahead of 2023 comeback tour

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Rumour has it, Peter Kay has been performing secret gigs in the UK ahead of his comeback tour.

The comedian, 49, took a break from the limelight in 2017 and cancelled his nationwide tour, citing family circumstances as the reason at the time.

He has since started slowly returning to public life with various surprise performances and charity events, recently delighting fans at the Dance For Life show in Liverpool for Cancer Research in August.

But now, it seems he’s gearing up to get back to touring full time next year, as the funny man has reportedly been testing out new material on audiences in Salford.

According to reports and various fans on Twitter, the Car Share writer played two shows at The Lowry in Manchester.

Sharing their joy over being one of the lucky ones in the crowd, one person wrote on social media that there was a ‘secret ticket collection’ for their gig, and the audience had their ‘phones locked away’.

According to Mail Online , in a now deleted tweet, a fan named Paula penned: ‘Omg just been to a secret gig with Peter Kay at The Lowry. Best night of my life ever, that guy is a legend.’

When followers prompted Paula to spill further details, she remained somewhat tight-lipped, but hailed it the ‘best experience ever’.

‘It was the weirdest but best experience ever. He is just such a grounded fella. The gig was really raw and unpolished which was what made it so personal,’ she shared.

According to a source who spoke to The Sun earlier this year, Peter is set to announce a huge comeback 2023 tour pretty soon, meaning there’s a chance fans who weren’t at the ‘surprise’ shows might have a chance to hear his new material after all.

Insiders are ‘confident’ that the rumoured tour will include dates at London’s O2 Arena, as well as Manchester’s AO Arena.

‘He has lined up huge venues across the country including in Manchester, London and Birmingham,’ they said, adding that Peter was hoping to announce the shows in September, but there’s been no official word yet.

The source added: ‘Peter has not performed a live stand-up set on a big stage in well over a decade now but he could not be more ready to get back out there.’

When cancelling his 100-date sell-out tour four years ago, Peter released a statement reading: ‘Due to unforeseen family circumstances I deeply regret I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects. My sincerest apologies.

‘This decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my ­family must always come first.’

The comic offered no further details into the matters, but fans are hopeful that a full comeback is on the horizon.

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Peter Kay’s reps have been contacted for comment.

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MORE : Peter Kay tour 2022/23: How to buy tickets, prices, dates and locations

MORE : Peter Kay confirms first stand-up tour in 12 years – and his website crashes moments later

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• Entertainment

Peter Kay announces stand-up comedy comeback with first live tour in 12 years

The comedian will embark on an arena tour this December.

Peter Kay has announced his return to stand-up comedy with his first live tour in 12 years.

The 49-year-old comedian, who has been largely absent from the public eye for the last four years, will embark on an arena tour spanning from this December to August 2023.

It will be his first live tour since 2010, when he scored the Guinness World Record for the biggest selling run of all time, playing to more than 1.2 million people.

His comeback was announced during an advertisement break in the series launch of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on ITV.

He said: “It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy, and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now.

“And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35 – the same price they were on my previous tour in 2010.”

Kay will begin his tour on December 2 at the Manchester AO Arena before visiting locations including Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow and Dublin.

His run will end on August 11 2023 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena.

Following the announcement, Kay’s official website appeared to crash briefly under increased online traffic.

A poster for the event featured Kay holding a sign reading, “Better late than never” and described a ticket to his shows as an “ideal Christmas gift”.

Kay, from Bolton, has been largely out of the spotlight in recent years.

He returned to the stage in August 2021 for two special charity events to raise money for Laura Nuttall, a then 20-year-old with an aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.

There was also a brief return in January 2021 when he appeared on BBC Radio 2 to chat to Cat Deeley – who was filling in after Graham Norton left the station – about his love of music, mixtapes and the musical Mamma Mia.

He also made a surprise appearance at a charity screening of his series Car Share in 2018.

Kay cancelled his last tour in December 2017, citing “unforeseen family circumstances”.

Over the last few years, Kay has delighted fans with his hit Bafta-winning TV series Car Share and stand-up routines.

Tickets go on sale November 12 at 10am.

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Peter Kay brought to tears on opening night of comeback tour

Comedian appeared overwhelmed by reception as he took to stage at start of first comedy tour in 12 years

• Peter Kay review – from tried and tested everyman routine to jaw-dropping pageant

Peter Kay was moved to tears on the opening night of his first live comedy tour in 12 years.

The comedian received a rapturous standing ovation that lasted several minutes, with audiences chanting his name, as he took to the stage on Friday.

He appeared overwhelmed by the reaction, pausing to lean against a stool on stage before standing up and dabbing his eyes.

“Oh Jesus look at me, I mean what’s that all about? … how am I supposed to do bloody comedy now?” he asked audiences, prompting the first laughs of the evening.

He reportedly added: “Lovely Manchester you made me cry … where did it come from, all that emotion?”

The two-hour show included Kay’s famous garlic bread routine, which was given an Italian makeover, and jokes about modern technology (“What did we do before Amazon? Catalogues!”).

The live tour marks Kay’s return to standup comedy after being largely absent from the public eye for the last four years.

Friday’s show at the Manchester AO Arena is the first in a mammoth arena tour spanning from December to August 2023.

He is due to visit locations including Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow and Dublin, with the run ending on 11 August 2023 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena.

Following the announcement, Kay’s official website appeared to crash briefly under increased online traffic.

The live tour is the comedian’s first since 2010, when he scored the Guinness world record for the biggest selling run of all time, playing to more than 1.2 million people.

Kay, from Bolton, has been largely out of the spotlight in recent years.

He returned to the stage in August 2021 for two special charity events to raise money for Laura Nuttall, a then 20-year-old with an aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.

There was also a brief return in January 2021 when he appeared on BBC Radio 2 to chat to Cat Deeley – who was filling in after Graham Norton left the station – about his love of music, mixtapes and the musical Mamma Mia!

He also made a surprise appearance at a charity screening of his series Car Share in 2018.

Kay cancelled his last tour in December 2017, citing “unforeseen family circumstances”.

Over the past few years, Kay has delighted fans with his hit Bafta-winning TV series Car Share and standup routines.

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Peter Kay announces UK tour starting with huge Manchester gigs - full dates, venues and ticket info

The announcement came during the start of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here

• 21:57, 6 NOV 2022
• Updated 22:04, 9 NOV 2022

Bolton comedy superstar Peter Kay has announced a huge new UK comedy tour to open with two nights at Manchester's AO Arena in December. The tour will also include dates across the UK and Ireland throughout 2023, it was announced tonight during the adverts of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here .

Rumours had been rife that a tour announcement was imminent after comedy star Peter booked a series of top-secret "warm-up" shows at Salford's Lowry Theatre. Over recent weeks he has been performing shows in the tiny Studio space at the theatre to an audience of just 120 people to test out new material.

Now, he will head out on his first stand-up tour in 12 years. It will all begin on home turf at Manchester's AO Arena on December 2 and 3, before heading out to venues across the UK and Ireland including Sheffield, Dublin, Liverpool, London, Cardiff and Belfast.

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The new tour will be the first time Peter has headed out with a new stand-up comedy show in 12 years. Peter’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time which played to over 1.2m people.

And the comedian has announced tickets will be priced at £35 in his bid to help with the cost of living crisis - the same price as his previous tour.

Peter said tonight: "It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy, and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now.

"And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35. The same price they were on my previous tour in 2010".

He was due to play a 100-gig nationwide comeback tour in 2018 - but only weeks later announced it was off due to "unforeseen family circumstances".

At the time he said: "Due to unforeseen family circumstances I deeply regret I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects. This decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my ­family must always come first."

He had returned to the spotlight earlier this year for a series of Dance for Life charity gigs that were lapped up by fans over two nights at Manchester Central and then at venues across the UK.

The "secret" gigs at The Lowry in recent weeks had been greeted with huge excitement by fans, who had to hand in their phones before going inside. Those lucky enough to have bagged tickets so far have spoken of it being "best night of their lives".

Since the first announcement, Peter has gone on to add a monthly residency at the 02 in London that will take place throughout 2023. Those dates will also go on sale on Saturday. Here's the full dates announced so far.

FULL UK TOUR DATES

Tickets for Peter Kay’s nationwide tour go on sale Saturday 12th November at 10am via See Tickets and www.ticketmaster.co.uk . For Belfast and Dublin, tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.ie . Fri 02 December 2022 Manchester AO Arena Sat 03 December 2022 Manchester AO Arena Sat 17 December 2022 Birmingham Utilita Arena Fri 06 January 2023 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena Sat 07 January 2023 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena Fri 20 January 2023 Leeds First Direct Arena Fri 17 February 2023 Sheffield Utilita Arena Thu 23 February 2023 Belfast SSE Arena Fri 24 February 2023 Belfast SSE Arena Thu 09 March 2023 Newcastle Utilita Arena Fri 10 March 2023 Newcastle Utilita Arena Thu 23 March 2023 Birmingham Resorts World Arena Thu 06 April 2023 Dublin 3Arena Fri 07 April 2023 Dublin 3Arena Fri 05 May 2023 Glasgow OVO Hydro Sat 06 May 2023 Glasgow OVO Hydro Fri 19 May 2023 Leeds First Direct Arena Fri 16 June 2023 Cardiff International Arena Sat 17 June 2023 Cardiff International Arena Fri 14 July 2023 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena Sat 15 July 2023 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena Fri 11 August 2023 Sheffield Utilita Arena

Peter Kay - Live in London at The 02

Fri 16 December 2022 Sat 21 January 2023 Sat 18 February 2023 Wed 22 March 2023 Sat 22 April 2023 Sat 3 June 2023 Wed 30 Aug 2023 Sat 9 Sept 2023 Sat 7 Oct 2023 Sat 18 November

Tickets go on sale for his tour and The O2 residency on Saturday, November 12 at 10am via Ticketmaster and See Tickets .

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Peter Kay: Where has he been, why he stopped performing and last tour

Peter Kay has announced a first live tour in 12 years following a long hiatus

• 12:12, 7 NOV 2022

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The iconic funny man Peter Kay is finally back after taking time away from TV and touring. He has kept out of the media spotlight since 2017 and last toured 12 years ago.

Earlier this year, the Bolton-born comic attended a charity event to launch a boat in a very rare public appearance. He told fans at the time he was doing great following years of rumours about an on-going health battle.

However, in a shock prime-time advert, fans were treated to Peter saying he is going back on tour during an advert break on the opening night of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here . He said he would also keep tickets down to £35 - like they were when he last went out on tour in 2010 amid the cost-of-living crisis.

READ MORE I'm a Celebrity star's Johnny Depp connection and marriage to Corrie actor

Peter, 49, was always known for his comedy. He rose to fame with mockumentary series That Peter Kay Thing before masterminding Phoenix Nights and Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere. Car Share then followed.

When did Peter Kay last go on tour?

Peter Kay ran a hugely popular live tour in 2010. He made it into the Guinness World Records for that tour with the biggest selling run of all time, playing to more than 1.2 million people.

Kay cancelled his last tour in December 2017 citing “unforeseen family circumstances”. But he did make a surprise return at a charity screening of his Bafta-winning TV series Car Share in 2018.

The dad-of-three returned to the stage in August 2021 for two special charity events to raise money for Laura Nuttall, a then 20-year-old with an aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.

Why did he stop performing?

Peter released a statement in December 2017 prior to his 2018/19 tour. It said that due to "unforeseen family circumstances" he would have to cancel his whole tour and more updates would be forthcoming. However, they never came and for five years has stayed out of the spotlight - eager to keep his private life private.

The statement read: “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.”

Fans began to worry for the hugely popular star's health as no updates came for years. Until he appeared at a charity event in 2018. It was a special screening of Car Share to raise money for charity and fans were shocked to see Peter make an appearance. The screening raised over £34,000 for the charity.

It will be five years since he cancelled his tour and stepped out of the public eye, but no official information was ever confirmed as to why the huge tour was cancelled.

Where has Peter Kay been since?

In April 2019, he was then spotted on a tram tour around Blackpool, and in April 2020 he appeared on BBC’s Big Night In to recreate the video for Tony Christie’s Amarillo.

Kay returned to the stage in April 2022 to begin his first tour in 11 years, performing his Dance For Life show at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Good Friday. Further shows then took place in Liverpool in August.

He continued to do charity work and launched a new wheelchair accessible 'wheelyboat'. "It’s very lovely to be here today, I’m honoured to be asked to launch this fantastic wheelyboat, which I hope gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure and happiness out on the water," the dad-of-three said on Saturday.

"The Anderton Centre is a fantastic place and I love coming here, and the people are really nice and when it’s a nice day and there’s an heatwave you think you’re in the south of France."

When do Peter Kay tickets 2023 go on sale?

Tickets are due to go on sale on November 12. Tickets will cost £35. Find out more details here .

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Peter Kay gigs pulled just a day ahead of Co-op Live's launch in Manchester

Peter Kay was due to open the new Manchester venue Co-op Live this week with two huge comedy gigs, while singer Rick Astley's preview concert over the weekend was also hit with problems.

Arts and entertainment reporter @BethanyMinelle

Monday 22 April 2024 15:19, UK

Comedian Peter Kay has been forced to postpone two shows at Co-op Live in Manchester due to the brand-new arena's power testing falling "a few days" behind schedule.

The record-breaking stand-up comedian had been due to open the new venue - which is now the UK's biggest arena - on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

The 50-year-old Phoenix Nights star said in a statement: "I'm truly gutted as I know how disappointing this will be for everyone with tickets, but obviously it's a brand-new venue and it's important that everything is finished and safe for full capacity audiences.

"Fortunately, we've been able to reschedule the shows to next week, (I'll have to miss my Bums & Tums class) but hopefully I'll see you then."

Co-op Live shared a statement on their Twitter feed, telling followers: "Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay.

"These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April."

The spokesperson for the venue explained that an issue around the power supply was the cause of the cancellation.

"It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind.

"Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size."

An important update from Co-op Live. Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April. pic.twitter.com/SxW50Ph5hm — Co-op Live (@TheCoopLive) April 22, 2024

The statement added: "Peter Kay has very graciously agreed to perform his record-breaking comedy at Co-op Live on 29 (rescheduled from 23) and 30 (rescheduled from 24) April 2024. All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase."

They said refunds would be available for any ticketholders who could no longer attend the event, and flagged that the date change might mean new tickets become available for fans who missed out the first time round.

The venue added: "We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some. We are thrilled to welcome Peter Kay as our grand opening act just a few days later than planned."

Over the weekend, a preview concert starring Rick Astley was also hit by delays, with ticket capacity slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.

Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled have instead been offered seats to see US rock band the Black Keys play next week.

Once fully open, the arena - which is next to Manchester City's football ground - will have a capacity of 23,500, overtaking the capacity of the existing Manchester Arena which has a capacity of 21,000.

Built at an estimated cost of £365m, the arena counts former One Direction singer Harry Styles as one of its investors, with the pop star also advising on some elements of the arena's design.

Read more: Gogglebox star died of traumatic injuries, inquest hears Warwick Davis apologises after post causes concern Huw Edwards resigns from BBC, corporation says

Other stars set to play at the venue include Take That, Liam Gallagher, Olivia Rodrigo and Eric Clapton.

Peter Kay has been on a comeback tour - his first since 2010 - since December, with stops in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds scheduled through to next year.

In 2010, Kay won the Guinness World Record for the biggest-selling stand-up tour of all time - playing to a total of 1.2 million people.

Related Topics

Inside Peter Kay's triumphant return with weight loss gags after 12-year hiatus

Peter Kay fans had been eager to see the Bolton comic to return to the stage where he belonged, and no one was disappointed by the over decade-long wait

• 11:02, 25 Feb 2024

He's back on tour again, but Peter Kay's return in 2022 after a 12-year hiatus proved to be a big moment re-energizing his comeback.

Playing to a packed-out crowd at the Manchester Arena, the comedian, now 50 and then 49, mixed new and old material. Fans had been eager to see the Bolton comic to return to the stage where he belonged, and no one was disappointed by the decade-long wait.

Peter included some new gags in the gig, including the story of his excitable anaesthetist asking to take a selfie as well as the awkwardness of his recent kidney stone operation. The star then regaled the crowd with a tale of a genitally joined couple making their way to the hospital after an embarrassing post-op incident.

Also in the show was a segment on life before modern technology. "What did we do before Amazon? Catalogues!," Peter declared as he launched into a hilarious skit aimed at those of certain generation. Much to fans' delight, the comedian also included a revamped 'garlic bread?!' routine along with a singalong of advertising jingles.

The comic's show went down a storm with fans with hundreds taking to Twitter to congratulate the star. "He was fantastic. He made references to his previous jokes which was good," one said. Another wrote: "Absolutely incredible! Everyone is in for a treat! What a b****y guy." While a third tweeted: "Peter Kay. Legend. What a privilege to see him back on stage."

Peter was overcome with emotion when he walked out on stage after receiving a wondrous standing ovation. Beginning his huge 110-day tour, the star was met with the sell-out crowd chanting his name and applauding him - prompting Peter to wipe away a few tears.

He told the audience: "'Aw you’ll have me in bits. Lovely Manchester you made me cry. I can’t believe I cried, where did it come from all that emotion?"

Fans were just as emotional, with many congratulating the star for showing his soft side. One said: "And the end was just a complete surprise, didn’t not expect it at all. It was absolutely amazing. When it first started there was a standing ovation and he cried, it was totally genuine, you could tell it meant a lot to him. It was wonderful.” While another said: "It was absolutely amazing, totally worth the wait. And the ending, oh my god. It was so special. He was on top form. At the start as well he started crying, he didn’t get going for a bit because everyone was on their feet."

Following Peter's gig on Saturday evening, fans were equally as delighted, with one writing: "I went to see peter Kay last night, what a comedy legend! @JasonManford i need to see a photo of your brothers guitar signed by Eric clapton please." While another commented: "Been wanting to see Peter Kay for years and oh it was brilliant if you going between now and 2032 your in for a blast." A third wrote: "Funniest #PeterKay has ever been. Just superb ….. But, screw queuing at the station with 10,000 people, we”ll chill out with a bottle thanks & head back later."

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Peter Kay's very private marriage with childhood sweetheart Susan

The car share star married susan in 2001.

Peter Kay may have taken a 12-year break from the spotlight, but he is now making up for lost time after becoming the first artist to get a residency at London's O2 arena.

When he's not on stage, Peter keeps his home life with his wife Susan Gargan and their children very private, which he reiterated when explaining why he cancelled his tour in 2017, citing " unforeseen family circumstances ."

So who is the stand-up comedian's wife? We take a look at their "disaster" first date, secret wedding and more…

"Disaster" date

Peter is thought to have met Susan at a nightclub in Bolton in 1998, and they tied the knot three years later. While he has only made a handful of comments about his relationship, Peter let slip that his early dates with Susan were not smooth sailing, with the star describing one in particular as a "disaster."

"I took a girlfriend ice skating once on our second date and I fell and broke my arm in two places," read Johnny Dee’s 2006 book, That Peter Kay Book: The Unauthorized Biography. While the book doesn't name Susan, it goes on to clarify it was in reference to Peter's childhood sweetheart.

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"Luckily the whole disaster worked out for the best as the girl took pity on my incompetence and eventually she married me," it added.

Secret wedding

Peter and Susan exchanged vows in 2001, but they have remained tight-lipped about the details. The guest list likely included Peter's childhood friend Paddy McGuinness, especially since Peter had a starring role in Paddy and his ex Christine's wedding.

In her book, Christine explained: "Peter Kay was [Paddy's] best man. He had to be – they've known each other since they were kids. 

"Peter’s speech felt like it went on forever – it was a stand-up show. But the one thing he said that always stuck with me was, ‘As long as you’ve got laughter, you’ve got everything. And you two have that.'" Perhaps humour is equally as important in Peter and Susan's marriage.

Private children

The couple welcomed their eldest child Charlie in 2001, and reportedly named him after Susan's late father. They are also thought to be parents to another two children, but Peter has purposefully kept them out of the spotlight. 

"I'm actually shy, and my salvation is coming home and being normal. My children are still young, and I want to be at home with them," he  said.

Peter also confessed to The Mirror in 2003 that he was cutting back on work in order to spend time raising his family. "There's nothing better than family," he said, adding: "I just feel I've got to have time to be the other things I am in life: I'm a father and a husband."

In a rare comment about his home life, he said: "I enjoy the fact I can be on Paul O'Grady in the afternoon and sitting down watching the television with Susan of an evening. Money's nice because it brings you security.

"But I promise, if it had meant being away from the people I love I wouldn't have bothered."

Career break

Between 2010 and 2022, Peter had taken a hiatus from his TV appearances and tours, aside from a charity screening of his TV series Car Share in 2018 and BBC’s Big Night In in 2020. 

He had been due to return to the spotlight with a tour in 2018-2019 after supposedly hunkering down in his home in Ireland, but his much-anticipated return was halted by "unforeseen family circumstances."

In December 2017, Peter released a statement to X, formerly Twitter, that read: "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."

Commenting on his family's life away from the public eye, he added: "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."

In 2022, Peter made a surprise announcement that he was hosting his first new live stand-up tour in 12 years during an advert break on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. 

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'Tortured Poets: Anthology': Taylor Swift adds 15 songs in surprise 2 a.m. announcement

Taylor Swift , chairman of the “Tortured Poets Department” extended the meeting until past 2 a.m. with 15 new songs in project called, "The Anthology."

The secret double album's new tracks include:

• "The Black Dog"
• "imgonnagetyouback"
• "The Albatross"
• "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus"
• "How Did It End?"
• "So High School"
• "I Hate It Here"
• "thanK you aiMee"
• "I Look in People's Windows"
• "The Prophecy"
• "Cassandra"
• "The Bolter"
• "The Manuscript"

The Eras Tour singer joined Threads at midnight, which shares parent company Meta with Facebook and Instagram.

As part of the week leading up to the announcement, Swift worked behind the scenes with Threads to create a countdown when users pulled down on her Instagram page. The interface connected them to pre-follow the singer. At the stroke of 12 a.m., a new pull down countdown revealed two hours. 

Her next post explained the double album project:

"It’s a 2am surprise: The Tortured Poets Department is a secret DOUBLE album. ✌️ I’d written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here’s the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology. 15 extra songs. And now the story isn’t mine anymore… it’s all yours. 🤍"

Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Threads

According to the social media site, users who share her first Threads post will receive a custom badge, inspired by "The Tortured Poets Department," for their profile and be able to change the background in their Instagram DMs to one inspired by the album.

Who’s afraid of a couple less hours of sleep?

'Tortured Poets' release live updates: What to know as Taylor Swift's new album debuts

'The Tortured Poets Department'

If you didn't get the memo from the department's Chairman, "Tortured Poets" is Swift's 11th era album with 16 tracks and four bonus songs (four versions of the album each have a different bonus track).

Swift announced the project at the Grammys, when she won her 13th career Grammy for pop album of the year. Post Malone and Florence and The Machine  are two contributors on the pop album.

Its track titles are brutal. Fans speculated the album was about Swift’s six-year relationship with English actor Joe Alwyn and their breakup. Both stars kept the relationship out of the public eye. The back of the first version of the album reads, “I love you, it’s ruining me,” serving as a dagger-to-the-chest harbinger.

The album was released during Swift's two-month break from her massively popular and economically fruitful Eras Tour . "Tortured Poets" serves as an exclamation point to the behemoth success the billionaire has seen over the past year since the three-plus-hour show launched in Glendale, Arizona. Swift will return to the stage in Paris, France, on May 9. Fans anticipate that her newest era will be added to the show.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter "This Swift Beat."

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

Watch CBS News

Taylor Swift shocker: New album, "The Tortured Poets Department," is actually a double album

By Alex Sundby , Brian Dakss

Updated on: April 19, 2024 / 10:28 PM EDT / CBS News

Anticipation was growing at a fever pitch before Taylor Swift's latest album, " The Tortured Poets Department ," dropped at midnight EDT. But the pop superstar had a huge surprise on tap: It's actually a double album.

When Part One dropped, Swift wrote on Instagram , "All's fair in love and poetry... New album THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. Out now 🤍"

Then came the shocker, revealed in an Instagram post saying , "It's a 2am surprise: The Tortured Poets Department is a secret DOUBLE album. ✌️ I'd written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here's the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology. 15 extra songs. And now the story isn't mine anymore… it's all yours. 🤍."

What's Taylor Swift's new album about?

Swift described the album as "new works that reflect events, opinions and sentiments from a fleeting and fatalistic moment in time — one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure."

She also said that time has been "closed and boarded up. There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed. And upon further reflection, a good number of them turned out to be self-inflicted."

"Entertainment Tonight" correspondent Denny Directo called the record some of her most vulnerable work.

"Fans were left with more questions than there were answers, so good luck trying to decipher who these songs are about, what they mean," Directo told CBS News. "… I feel like there's more heartbreak songs on this than there are love songs."

Hours ahead of the record's release, Swift said on social media that its first single was "Fortnight," featuring Post Malone, and its music video was released Friday night .

Swift praised the Grammy-nominated artist's musical experimentation and melodies "that just stick in your head forever."

"I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we worked together on Fortnight," Swift said in her post .

"Fortnight" isn't the only track on the album on which Swift worked with another artist. Florence and The Machine is also featured.

What's on "The Tortured Poets Department" tracklist?

Swift posted an initial tracklist to social media in February one day after she announced the album at  the Grammys , where she won for best pop vocal album. Here's the list of all 31 songs:

• "Fortnight"
• "The Tortured Poets Department"
• "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"
• "So Long, London"
• "But Daddy I Love Him"
• "Fresh Out the Slammer"
• "Florida!!!"
• "Guilty as Sin?"
• "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?"
• "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)"
• "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart"
• "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived"
• "The Alchemy"
• "Clara Bow"
• "The Black Dog"
• "imgonnagetyouback"
• "The Albatross"
• "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus"
• "How Did It End?"
• "So High School"
• "I Hate It Here"
• "thanK you aIMee"
• "I Look in People's Windows"
• "The Prophecy"
• "Cassandra"
• "The Bolter"
• "The Manuscript"

What are Taylor Swift's concert dates for The Eras Tour?

Swift resumes her wildly successful Eras Tour next month in Europe with shows scheduled for Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. until August. In the fall, the tour returns to North America with performances in Indianapolis, Miami, New Orleans, Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Here are the dates for upcoming shows:

• May 9 Paris
• May 10 Paris
• May 11 Paris
• May 12 Paris
• May 17 Stockholm
• May 18 Stockholm
• May 19 Stockholm
• May 24 Lisbon, Portugal
• May 25 Lisbon, Portugal
• May 29 Madrid
• May 30 Madrid
• June 2 Lyon, France
• June 3 Lyon, France
• June 7 Edinburgh, Scotland
• June 8 Edinburgh, Scotland
• June 9 Edinburgh, Scotland
• June 13 Liverpool, England
• June 14 Liverpool, England
• June 15 Liverpool, England
• June 18 Cardiff, Wales
• June 21 London
• June 22 London
• June 23 London
• June 28 Dublin
• June 29 Dublin
• June 30 Dublin
• July 4 Amsterdam
• July 5 Amsterdam
• July 6 Amsterdam
• July 9 Zurich
• July 10 Zurich
• July 13 Milan
• July 14 Milan
• July 17 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• July 18 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• July 19 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• July 23 Hamburg, Germany
• July 24 Hamburg, Germany
• July 27 Munich
• July 28 Munich
• Aug. 1 Warsaw, Poland
• Aug. 2 Warsaw, Poland
• Aug. 3 Warsaw, Poland
• Aug. 8 Vienna
• Aug. 9 Vienna
• Aug. 10 Vienna
• Aug. 15 London
• Aug. 16 London
• Aug. 17 London
• Aug. 19 London
• Aug. 20 London
• Oct. 18 Miami
• Oct. 19 Miami
• Oct. 20 Miami
• Oct. 25 New Orleans
• Oct. 26 New Orleans
• Oct. 27 New Orleans
• Nov. 1 Indianapolis
• Nov. 2 Indianapolis
• Nov. 3 Indianapolis
• Nov. 14 Toronto
• Nov. 15 Toronto
• Nov. 16 Toronto
• Nov. 21 Toronto
• Nov. 22 Toronto
• Nov. 23 Toronto
• Dec. 6 Vancouver, British Columbia
• Dec. 7 Vancouver, British Columbia
• Dec. 8 Vancouver, British Columbia
• Taylor Swift

Alex Sundby is a senior editor at CBSNews.com. In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.

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New arena postpones Peter Kay's opening shows

The new Co-op Live arena in Manchester has postponed its opening shows featuring comedian Peter Kay because it is not ready.

The venue, which will be the largest in the UK, held its first test event on Saturday but was forced to cancel some tickets just hours beforehand.

Kay was due to perform the first official events there this Tuesday and Wednesday.

But the venue said work on its power supply is "a few days behind" schedule.

"It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind," a statement said.

"Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size."

The venue will hold up to 23,500 people when fully open.

Kay's performances have been rescheduled to 29 and 30 April.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some," the venue added. "We are thrilled to welcome Peter Kay as our grand opening act just a few days later than planned."

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Kay said: "I'm truly gutted as I know how disappointing this will be for everyone with tickets, but obviously it's a brand-new venue and it's important that everything is finished and safe for full capacity audiences.

"Fortunately, we've been able to reschedule the shows to next week, (I'll have to miss my Bums & Tums class) but hopefully I'll see you then."

US rock band The Black Keys are still due to play there on 27 April, before Kay's rescheduled dates. The venue said that gig will have a 10,000 capacity, and managers will use it to "continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations".