Peter Kay announced he will be returning to our screens for the Children in Need and Comic Relief show ‘The Big Night In’. He will feature among headliners fronting the charity gig – that airs on BBC iPlayer at 7pm, April 23 – to bring much needed humour during the coronavirus pandemic. This will be the first time the Bolton-born star will have performed after a near three year hiatus due to “unforeseen family circumstances”. Peter, now 46, made a name for himself on hit TV shows Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere and numerous performances on the comedy circuit. Despite his success, the stand-up star battled crippling doubts about his ability before he took to the stage and nearly lost it all after turning down an opportunity in TV for his higher paid ‘normal’ job. Unearthed interviews with Peter reveal he made the decision to try to make it as a comedian shortly after giving a best man’s speech.
Peter Kay will star alongside Sir Lenny Henry, Catherine Tate and popstar Gary Barlow for The Big Night In.
The three-hour online show will feature performances from musicians and artists from within their homes and giveaway surprises.
It aims to celebrate the acts of kindness and community support provided by the British public during the coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday after Sir Lenny confirmed the star’s future appearance, a BBC source told The Mirror that they were “delighted and that “fans will love seeing him back on TV”.
Peter’s much anticipated return will be celebrated by many following his decision to stand back from the spotlight in 2017.
During his early career, Peter won over crowds with stand-up sketches, including his “garlic bread” routine, which would go on to be adopted as a catchphrase by many across the nation.
But Peter’s first break came back in 1997, when the fresh-faced comic won the North West Comedian of the Year Award.
Despite it only being his “second gig”, he beat seasoned veterans on the circuit and would go on to become a much loved comedy icon.
But before the star’s career even began he had crippling doubts and it was only after a heavily praised best man’s speech that would lead him to try stand-up for the first time.
Shortly after winning the award, the star spoke candidly about his difficulties during an interview that would be broadcast on Paramount 2’s ‘Peter Kay: The Early Years’.
JUST IN: Peter Kay returns to spotlight in coronavirus pandemic after two years
Perched on a chair in the Bolton backstreet alleyways outside his home, Peter explained his humble beginnings.
Despite the distraction of children excitedly racing around behind him, climbing brick walls and playing games, the then-24-year-old kept his composure.
In brief interactions with the youngsters a glimpse was given into the man behind countless humorous sketches now cherished by the nation.
Speaking of his comedy award, Peter said: “I never expected to win because I had never done stand-up before.
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“I had always been like, you know, ‘Peter finds enjoyment out of making the children laugh in class’, but I was never really into doing it on television and stand-up.
“But then I was the best man at a wedding, and I got up, and made a speech and my friends just said, ‘You should have a go at this, you know.’”
Despite the positive praise, Peter revealed that at the time: “I thought, well I can’t.”
It wasn’t until a stand-up comedy module during his HND course at the University of Salford, that his talent would be recognised by him and others.
Peter said: “The moderators come, they mark you and you go and do a stand up performance for ten mintues.
“So I did this and I did really well and someone said, ‘You can try to make a bit of money out of this,’ but I’d never dreamt of doing it, I’d never even done any open mic.”
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