The comedian, 45, has kept a low profile since cancelling his tour at the end of 2017 due to “unforeseen family circumstances”. This Bank Holiday, however, he was was spotted looking relaxed and in high spirits as he enjoyed the good weather in Blackpool. Peter Kay was pictured on one of the Heritage Tram Tours, with the company sharing the photo with their 1,995 followers on Twitter. He could be seen smiling with two of the tour’s employees, wearing a short-sleeved checked shirt, a baseball cap and sunglasses.
“We do love a celebrity passenger on our tours,” Heritage Tram Tours tweeted, joking: “When we can’t get one @PeterKay_co_uk will do instead!
“He kindly allowed a a photo with the driver and conductor on Boat 600 this afternoon.”(sic)
The company’s Facebook page, which is liked by 7,771 people, also uploaded the picture, with the post in turn garnering over 400 likes in less than four hours.
Fans flocked to the comments section to voice their excitement at seeing Peter out and about, with one writing: “Aw brilliant! Sincerely hope all is well with Peter and family.”
“Lovely to see him again. Wish he’d do more tours,” another said, while a third chipped in: “Great to see Peter he has food taste love Blackpool.”
Peter’s last public appearance was at a screening of the final episode of Car Share in Blackpool last year, which was held in order to raise money for the Lily Foundation, which supports people living with mitochondria disease.
At the event, Peter surprised fans by arriving on stage, telling the crowd: “Thank you very much for supporting the Lily Foundation, raising money for mitochondria disease.”
As fans cheered, the funny man continued: “It’s very kind of you, I appreciate it.
“Enjoy the last ever episode of Car Share.”
In December 2017, Peter cancelled his first comedy tour in eight years, which was due to see his perform 100 dates around the UK.
The Bolton-born star released a statement which confirmed he was pulling out of all work for the foreseeable future.
“Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I reply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects,” he said.
“My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my family must always come first.
“I’ve always endeavoured to protect my family’s privacy from the media,” the statement read. “I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again, I’m very sorry.”
In recent months, Peter has started being more active on social media after keeping away from the limelight since cancelling the tour.
He shared several links to websites where fans could vote for Car Share at the National Television Awards, and, last October, also tweeted to promote Peter Kay’s Comedy Shuffle.