Comedian Peter Kay has announced the final dates for his record-breaking "Better Late Than Never" tour in 2026, with all profits dedicated to 12 cancer charities. The 52-year-old made the announcement on BBC's The One Show on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of one of British comedy's most successful tours.
Tickets for the final shows go on sale Sunday, November 30 at 10:00 AM. The tour, which launched in 2022, will conclude with performances across major UK and Irish arenas including Newcastle, Nottingham, Glasgow, Dublin, Birmingham, Belfast, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester and London. Shows commence March 8.
Kay told The One Show: «It's finishing next year, and I am announcing the last lot of shows, but all profits are going to cancer charities.» He listed the 12 beneficiaries: «Children with cancer, UK Teenage cancer trust, Kidney Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate UK.» He added: «DKMS, Ovarian Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Anthony Nolan, the brain tumour charity, and Breast Cancer UK.»
Kay's emotional appeal
The Bolton comedian made a direct appeal to audiences, emphasizing the cause transcends entertainment. «Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who's been affected on that list, and I just hope people support it. Come to the shows, that's why I'm here. You don't even have to like me, it goes beyond that. This is about supporting those charities,» he said, according to The Mirror.
He added with characteristic humour: «If it's not funny, you get your money back... You don't. I hope you'll come and do it. It's 12 cancer charities.»
Charity response
Rachel Calderon, deputy director of fundraising at Blood Cancer UK, called it a «milestone moment» to see Kay announce the final tour. «Everyone in the blood cancer community, whether they're affected by leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma is genuinely chuffed and deeply grateful he has chosen to support Blood Cancer UK on his final tour through ticket sales,» she said on The One Show.
She emphasized the impact: «Every pound helps us support people facing blood cancer and will help fund lifesaving research that will get us closer to beating blood cancer within a generation.»
Record-breaking tour
Kay's "Better Late Than Never" tour is now entering its fourth year and ranks among the most successful in British comedy history. He holds the unique distinction of being the only artist globally to perform a monthly residency at London's The O2, achieving 45 performances since 2022.
The comedian, known for creating "Phoenix Nights" and starring in "Peter Kay's Car Share," recently released his book "Diary: The Monthly Memoir of a Boy from Bolton" in October.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
