Fans of Peter Kay were met with disappointing news this week as the beloved comedian has been forced to cancel two upcoming performances due to a medical procedure.
The 52-year-old star recently underwent treatment for a kidney stone, and his team advised him to take some time off to recover.
The news was shared via Instagram on Monday, with the statement explaining that Peter would not perform at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Sunday 5th October and Monday 6th October.
Both shows have now been rescheduled: the Sunday show moves to Thursday 11th December, and the Monday show to Friday 12th December.
Tickets for the original dates remain valid, with refunds available for those unable to attend.
Understanding Kidney Stones and Why They Can Be Painful
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline formations that develop when waste products in the blood build up.
Affecting roughly one in ten people—especially those aged between 30 and 60—these stones can vary in size.
While smaller stones often pass naturally through urine, larger ones can become extremely painful and sometimes require medical intervention.
Surgery is typically needed if the stone cannot pass on its own, as was the case for Peter.
Peter Kay’s Return to the Spotlight
Peter has had a remarkable journey back to the stage.
After a period of absence, he announced his comeback in December 2017, gradually returning to public life.
In November 2022, he thrilled fans by revealing plans for a new tour, his first in twelve years, including a monthly residency at London’s O2 Arena.
His opening night in Manchester was unforgettable. Peter was visibly moved by a standing ovation lasting several minutes.
“Lovely Manchester, you made me cry… where did it come from, all that emotion?” he told the audience.
The moment highlighted just how eagerly fans had awaited his return.
Addressing Weight Loss and Personal Challenges
In addition to the recent health setback, Peter has opened up about his long-term battle with weight and binge eating.
Speaking at a “In Conversation With…” event hosted by Sara Cox at The Lowry theatre in Salford, he reflected on his decades-long struggle.
“Only for the first 48 years of my life,” he joked when asked if he had tried to lose weight.
He described experimenting with various diets and programs, including Slimming World and WeightWatchers.
A key turning point came during a cinema visit with his wife Susan, when he secretly left the screening to eat a hotdog, prompting a moment of self-realisation.
Peter also shared that his eating habits began in childhood, influenced by his mother providing pies for school lunches.
Fans have praised his candidness in discussing these personal challenges alongside his professional achievements.
What Are Kidney Stones?
For context, kidney stones are lumps formed from waste products in the blood, typically found in the kidney or ureter.
They can be incredibly painful and, if untreated, may lead to infections or impaired kidney function.
Common triggers include dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
Severe symptoms such as high fever or blood in the urine require immediate medical attention.
Most stones are small enough to pass naturally, but larger ones like Peter’s can necessitate a procedure to remove or break them up.
Unfortunately, recurrence is common, with up to half of sufferers experiencing another episode within five years.
Looking Ahead for Peter Kay
While fans will have to wait a little longer for Peter’s Nottingham shows, the comedian remains in good spirits.
The brief pause for recovery ensures that when he does return to the stage, he can deliver the performances audiences have been eagerly anticipating.
His team has expressed gratitude for the understanding of fans and assured them that all tickets for the new dates are valid.