Peter Kay 2018 UK tour cancelled due to ‘unforeseen family circumstances’
PETER Kay has cancelled his 2018 Live Arena tour, telling fans that "my family must always come first".
The comedian had been due to return to the stage for a mammoth trek next year, but he's now axed all the shows due to "unforeseen family circumstances".
A statement posted on his Twitter page explained: "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.
"Customers for Peter Kay's Live Arena Tour and Dance for Life shows will be refunded from their original point of purchase and any specific ticket queries should be directed to them.
"As Dance for Live is a charitable event in aid of Cancer Research UK, ticket holders may, if they wish, still donate to Cancer Research UK by visiting www.cancerresearchuk.org."
Following his announcement Peter was inundated with messages of support from his fans who sent their well wishes to him and his family.
Peter sent fans into a frenzy last month when he revealed he would be heading back out on the road for a series of arena dates for the first time in eight years.
His last tour was a huge success and still holds a sales record.
He scheduled more than 100 shows around the country and supporters scrambled to snap up tickets.
The tour included stops in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds as well as nine shows at London's O2 Arena.
When he first announced the tour, Peter said he would “returning to his most successful hobby – stand-up”.
The Phoenix Nights star explained: “I really miss it.
"I know how lucky I am to be making television series and have really loved these past few years working on Car Share but I miss doing stand-up.
“As terrifying as it is, when it works there’s nothing more fun and exciting.
"Plus, a lot has happened in the last eight years, with Trump, Twitter and my Nan getting her front bush trimmed at the age of 96.
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"I can’t wait to get back up on stage.”
The show had been due to run into 2019 with the final dates scheduled for March that year.
The comedian’s 2010 tour still officially ranks in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time.
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