Peter Kay’s recent performance in Manchester took an unexpected turn when he had to remove multiple hecklers from the audience.
The comedian, currently on his £27 million Better Late Than Never Again! tour, was met with disruptions throughout the night, prompting him to take action.
One particularly rowdy audience member repeatedly shouted “garlic bread”, referencing one of Kay’s famous jokes.
After ignoring the interruptions for a while, the comedian eventually asked security to remove the individual.
Shortly after, a woman declared “we love you, Peter”, which led to her removal as well.
It was during this moment that Kay compared her to actress Lisa Riley, a remark that sparked mixed reactions among the audience.
Lisa Riley Clears the Air
Following the incident, speculation arose regarding Lisa Riley’s reaction to Kay’s comment.
However, the Emmerdale actress was quick to shut down any controversy.
Taking to Instagram, she reassured fans that she wasn’t offended by the comparison.
She wrote on her Story: “Please draw a line under this now. I am not offended, never was offended.
I love Peter Kay to pieces. Laughter is my favourite medicine.”
To further emphasize her stance, she shared an image with the quote “Keep calm and laugh”, captioning it: “It’s a laugh, it’s funny!”
Peter Kay Responds to Criticism
Despite Lisa Riley’s lighthearted approach, the incident fueled debate among fans and critics alike.
Some accused Kay of being unnecessarily harsh, while others supported his decision to remove the hecklers.
Kay later addressed the situation in a statement to Good Morning Britain, defending his actions.
He explained that repeated disruptions affect the experience for the entire audience and that removing disruptive individuals was necessary.
Regarding the Lisa Riley remark, he stated: “I didn’t realise it was an insult. She did look remarkably like Lisa Riley, I didn’t realise that was an insult.”
Audience Reactions: Divided Opinions
Those who attended the show had mixed feelings about how the comedian handled the situation.
Some backed Kay’s firm stance, stating that the hecklers had been ruining the night for others.
One audience member, Jo Llewellyn, remarked: “The guy was extremely drunk and was being a complete nuisance.
The woman was also disrupting the show. The crowd cheered when they were removed.”
However, others felt Kay’s reaction was excessive.
Some attendees expressed disappointment, saying that his demeanor was different from past performances.
One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed: “It seemed like he was in a bad mood from the start.
The way he told his jokes was different, and the humor felt a lot cruder than expected.”
A Tour Marked by Success and Controversy
Despite the incident, Peter Kay’s tour continues to be a massive success.
His Better Late Than Never Again! tour has broken multiple records, including selling out 45 shows at London’s O2 Arena and performing 100 shows at the Manchester AO Arena.
With additional dates announced for 2025 and 2026, the tour is expected to continue its winning streak.
While Kay remains one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, the recent controversy highlights the challenges of handling live audiences.
Whether his firm stance against hecklers will impact his reputation in the long run remains to be seen.
But for now, fans eagerly await his next performances, hoping for more laughs and fewer disruptions.
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