Peter Kay announces BBC return after absence for personal reasons

Peter Kay has delighted fans with the news that he is making a return to the BBC after taking an extended career break for personal reasons.

The comedian and TV star will join Cat Deeley for a one-off special show for BBC Radio 2 in the new year.

Although he hasn’t made any comment on the forthcoming show, Deeley shared her excitement.

She said: "I'm thrilled to be making my Radio 2 debut on Saturday January 2.

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"This time of year always fills us with love, hope and optimism, even if it looks a little different this year.

"We may not gather in the same ways or in the same places, but we are always together in our hearts."

Commenting on the announcement, one fan tweeted: “It is actually genuinely exciting that Peter Kay is a guest. Wonderful news!”

Another added: “Wow Peter Kay almost as exciting as the vaccine. Can’t wait.”

Kay cancelled all of his work commitments in 2017 due to “unforeseen family circumstances” and since then has only made a couple of rare public appearances to support charity work.

He was on TV in 2018 for two special episodes of his sitcom Car Share and had been due to begin touring again earlier this year, but had to cancel because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Phoenix Nights star is married to Susan Gargan and they have three children together, with Kay fiercely guarding his family’s privacy.

Deeley will be a stand-in presenter for BBC Radio 2 after Graham Norton’s departure and before his replacement Claudia Winkleman begins on the show.

When Kay, 47, had to cancel his Dance For Life tour earlier in the year he said: “Obviously this is disappointing news but well and truly justified given the circumstances.

“We'll get through this, together and then we'll all have a great big dance for life.

“Stay safe and look after yourselves and the people around you.”

Watch: Peter Kay breaks social media silence for charity screening