‘I Can’t Stand By While People Suffer,’ Kay Told Fans, Voice Choked With Emotion, Adding, ‘If Laughter Can Save Lives, Then Let’s Make It Count.’ The Announcement Sparked Tears Across Social Media, With Fans Crying Out, ‘This Is Beyond Generous — He’s A True Hero!’ Industry Insiders Call It ‘The Most Heartbreaking Yet Inspirational Comeback In Comedy History,’ And The Nation Is Already Counting Down To Witness This Unprecedented Act Of Compassion.”

Peter Kay made a rare return to television on Wednesday night as he joined The One Show to reveal a major announcement — a brand-new leg of his Better Late Than Never tour, with every penny of profit going directly to cancer charities.

The beloved comedian, 52, confirmed that all proceeds from the newly added dates — running from December through August 2026 and ending at Manchester’s AO Arena — will be donated to 12 cancer charities, including Children With Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Breast Cancer UK, and The Brain Tumour Charity.

Speaking to hosts Lauren Laverne and Vernon Kay, Peter said:
“I’m announcing the last load of shows — and all the profits are going to 12 charities. Everyone knows someone affected. I hope people support it. You don’t even have to like me!”

The comedian will play more than 20 arena dates across the UK and Ireland, including London, Dublin, Birmingham, Belfast, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham.

Charities have already hailed the news as a landmark moment.
Rachel Calderon of Blood Cancer UK said supporters were “deeply grateful,” while Dr. Michele Afif of The Brain Tumour Charity described Peter’s generosity as “instrumental” in helping them drive lifesaving progress.

Peter’s charitable spirit is well-known. In 2023, he donated proceeds from his Manchester Apollo opening night to brain cancer causes in honour of devoted fan Laura Nuttall, who tragically died at 23 after battling glioblastoma. Peter had previously come out of retirement to host two sold-out shows that helped fund Laura’s specialist treatment abroad.

During Wednesday’s episode, Peter also chatted light-heartedly about stand-up alongside Rebel Wilson, who recalled her early fears of being hit by beer bottles on stage. Kiefer Sutherland, also appearing on the show, admitted he’d never dare attempt stand-up himself.

The comedian’s return to screens follows the recent release of Peter Kay’s Diary, where he revealed a frightening health ordeal involving emergency surgery for a giant kidney stone. The painful episode led to a stent being fitted and what he described as “major trauma,” a chapter that reminded him how quickly life can shift.

Now back and pouring his energy into a cause close to countless families, Peter hopes his new tour will raise not just money — but hope.

Tickets for the final tour dates go on sale this Sunday at 10am, with Peter adding that they “make a great Christmas present.”