Why Kay wrote his autobiography

Peter Kay says he’s writing his autobiography out of anger – after finding out a journalist was writing an unauthorised version.

The Bolton comic has nearly completed his book, titled The Sound Of Laughter, which is due out in October.

However, he will be beaten to the bookshelves by the unauthorised biography That Peter Kay Book, written by Johnny Dee, which is due out early next month.

In an interview with Jonathan Ross to air on BBC One tonight, Kay says: ‘I've nearly finished writing. Last year I said no, but then I found out some journalist was writing an unauthorised book.

"They were trying to get something juicy, but I'm not Jordan. I've been doing it every day for six months. I started out in anger, but I've thrown myself into it.’

The publishers blurb for Dee’s 264-page book, right, reads: ‘People know that he is from Bolton, but not much else. For example, his humble origins and the fact that he was bullied at school for being overweight is rarely discussed.

‘He stopped doing press interviews two years ago and has taken down any biographical information from his website.

‘Now, in the first biography, his life story is brought to life through anecdotes relayed by friends and former work colleagues.’

Kay’s own book, published by Century, on the other hand promises to tell of the time before he became famous with the same style of humour that made his stand-up so successful.

Kay appears as a vile Doctor Who baddie this weekend, a role he describes as ‘cracking’ and ‘like a holiday’ from his regular stand-up career.

He told Ross: ‘I'd love to do a Harry Potter film, but I've only read the first book, I'm no good at reading fiction’

Tonight’s Jonathan Ross show also features Vic Reeves, who talks about being a father again at 47.

>> Click here to pre-order Kay's book
>> Click here to pre-order the unauthorised book

Published: 16 Jun 2006