Entertainment
Peter Kay 2021: Wife, children, age and what happened to him as he announces new live shows?
Peter Kay is heading back to the stage (Picture: Getty Images)
Peter Kay is heading back on tour, having announced that he is returning to the spotlight with two special live shows in August.
The Car Share and Phoenix Nights comedian took a step back from the public eye in 2017 – but he’s revealed he’ll be taking part in two Q&As at Manchester O2 Apollo on August 7.
The shows are in aid of Laura Nuttall, a 20-year-old who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour, in October 2018
Laura’s mum wrote: ‘Still can’t believe this actually happening! So incredibly grateful to Peter for doing this and just cannot wait for August 7th.’
It’ll mark Peter’s return to the stage for the first time since he cancelled his planned 2018/2019 tour, citing ‘unforseen family circumstances’ – with the comic having kept a low profile ever since.
As he prepares to make his comeback, here’s what you need to know about Peter – from his background and career through to his wife and family.
How old is Peter Kay and who are his wife and children?
Born 2 July 1973, the 48-year-old comedian and actor is one of the comedy scene’s most revered faces.
The Lancashire-born funnyman has written, produced and acted in a number of television and film projects, as well as writing three books.
Peter Kay at ‘We Are Manchester’ charity concert at the Manchester Arena in September 2017 held to honour those affected by the May 22 Manchester Arena bombing. (Picture: PETER BYRNE/AFP via Getty Images)
He studied media performance at the University of Salford before working part-time as a stand-up comedian.
Impressively, he won the North West Comedian of the Year award, going on to win Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny contest in 1997.
In 1998 he was nominated for a Perrier Award for his stand-up show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
That Peter Kay Thing was born on Channel 4 in 2000, with the hugely successful spin-off series Phoenix Nights coming later as a result of its success.
A further spin-off came in the shape of Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere in 2004 and the following year, his profile was raised again when he covered Is This the Way to Amarillo for Children In Need. It ended up reaching number one.
He also co-wrote and starred in Britain’s Got the Pop Factor… and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice, which was a parody of reality TV series.
Kay even released a song in character as the fictional protagonist Geraldine McQueen. Called The Winner’s Song, it reached number two in charts.
As well as his comedy tours, other TV work includes Peter Kay’s Car Share and Cradle to Grave.
Kay, whose net worth is estimated at being £43million, according to Spear’s, has also received an honorary doctorate from the University Of Salford.
The comedian is married to Susan Gargan, who he married in 2001.
Peter Kay and his wife Susan Gargan (Picture: Getty)
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.
What happened to Peter Kay?
In December 2017, Kay 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.
He confirmed the news on his website, apologising to those who had purchased tickets, insisting it wasn’t a decision he had taken lightly.
Peter Kay published a statement to fans explaining his decision.
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 then going under the radar, Kay broke his silence three months later in March 2018.
The star missed collecting his NTA award for Car Share in January 2018 (Pic: BBC)
He tweeted about a charity night to raise awareness of mitochondrial disease through The Lily Foundation, at which new episodes of Car Share would be screened.
In a blog post on the Ticketmaster site, 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.’
Mitrochondrial disease is a term which covers a range of often devastating conditions involving the failure of mitochondria, which live inside cells.
The mitochondria have a key function as they provide energy to cells, and if they cannot do that it leads to grave problems for the body.
If the symptoms are neuromuscular – ie, they affect the nerve and muscle functions – this is called mitochondrial myopathy.
Find out more about mitochondrial disease here.
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.
‘I’m actually shy and my salvation is coming home and being normal,’ he revealed in an interview.
‘My children are still young and I want to be at home with them.’
In 2020 Kay wrote a new sketch of the beloved BBC comedy Car Share for a book dedicated to the workers of the NHS.
In January of this year he made a brief return to the fray as Cat Deeley made her Radio 2 debut, being warmly welcomed by listeners as he phoned into the show for some fun and games.
MORE : Peter Kay recreates his chart-stopping Amarillo music video for BBC’s Big Night In
