Comedian Peter Kay made a surprise appearance on BBC One's The One Show on Wednesday evening, interrupting the programme to deliver a major announcement about his future career plans.
A Charitable Finale
The beloved 52-year-old comedian from Bolton confirmed he is extending his phenomenally successful Better Late Than Never tour into 2026. In a heart-warming move, he revealed that all profits from the final batch of dates will be donated to 12 cancer charities.
Speaking to hosts Vernon Kay and Lauren Laverne, Peter Kay stated, "It's finishing next year, and I am announcing the last lot of shows, but all profits are going to cancer charities." He went on to express his hope for public support, adding, "Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who's been affected on that list, and I just hope people support it. Come to the shows, that's why I'm here. You don't even have to like me, it goes beyond that. This is about supporting those charities."
Record-Breaking Success
The tour, which first kicked off in 2022, has been repeatedly extended due to overwhelming public demand, shattering numerous records along the way. Kay has already broken attendance and performance records at Manchester's AO Arena.
Furthermore, he has achieved a unique global milestone, becoming the first artist ever to hold a monthly residency at London's O2 arena, where he has performed an incredible 45 shows - more than any other act in the venue's history.
The Charities and Ticket Details
The 12 cancer charities that will benefit from the tour's profits are:
- Children with Cancer UK
- Teenage Cancer Trust
- Kidney Cancer UK
- Blood Cancer UK
- Bowel Cancer UK
- Prostate Cancer UK
- DKMS
- Ovarian Cancer Action
- Pancreatic Cancer UK
- Anthony Nolan
- The Brain Tumour Charity
- Breast Cancer UK
True to his comedic style, Kay lightened the mood with a characteristic quip: "If it's not funny, you get your money back... You don't. I hope you'll come and do it. It's 12 cancer charities."
Tickets for these final shows go on sale this Sunday, November 30, with the new performances scheduled to begin on March 8. This announcement follows the recent release of Kay's latest book, Diary: The Monthly Memoir of a Boy from Bolton, in October.
