Beloved comedian Peter Kay has opened up about his long-term battle with weight and his recent health-focused transformation in a remarkably candid new interview.
A Lifelong Struggle with Weight
Speaking to host Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2, the 52-year-old Bolton-born funnyman promoted his new memoir while revealing the serious motivation behind his slimmer appearance. Kay admitted he has grappled with weight issues for decades, only finding sustained success in recent years.
"Only for the first 48 years of my life," Kay quipped when Cox asked if he'd ever tried to lose weight. He then turned serious, explaining, "Yeah, I had to eventually, because you start thinking about your health and things like that, don't you?"
Comic Tales of Failed Fitness Fads
Kay's new book, 'Peter Kay's Diary: The Monthly Memoir Of a Boy From Bolton', features humorous anecdotes about his many attempts to get fit. He regaled listeners with stories of his misadventures, from his mother's Rosemary Connolly fitness video – which left him exhausted after the 'warm-up' – to joining a David Lloyd gym in Bolton.
His gym membership was short-lived, however, partly due to unwanted conversations in the changing rooms. "You know why I stopped going? Men just talking to you naked," he joked.
One particularly memorable story involved a clandestine cinema hotdog during a 2000 viewing of 'The Green Mile' with his wife, Susan. After sneaking out to buy it, a moment of guilt led him to throw it away, only to retrieve it for one last bite. Susan instantly detected the evidence on his breath upon his return.
Tour Extended with Charitable Pledge
Amid the personal revelations, Kay confirmed his hugely successful stand-up tour has been extended once more, with dates running well into 2026. He also announced a significant charitable initiative for the final leg.
Proceeds from his upcoming 'Better Late Than Never' shows next year will be donated to twelve different cancer charities. "Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who's been affected on that list," Kay said last week, expressing hope for public support.
Reflections on Comedy Heroes
The conversation also turned to Kay's influences. He shared a cherished story of receiving a hilarious, in-character letter from his hero Ronnie Barker, written as 'Norman Fletcher' from HMP Slade from the sitcom 'Porridge'.
He also spoke touchingly about Billy Connolly, with whom he still keeps in touch. "He's not so good now," Kay said of the legendary Scottish comedian, "but he would still message and that. I think a lot of comedians in this country would not be doing what they did if it weren't for him."
Peter Kay's interview aired on Sara Cox's Radio 2 show, which broadcasts weekdays from 4pm to 7pm. His new memoir is available now.
