Celebrates by referencing 80s TV show

 Peter Kay has officially entered the Guinness World Records book for the planet’s biggest-selling stand-up tour.

His Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour… Now on Tour show sold 1,140,798 tickets in 113 arena dates between February 2010 and November 2011, earning him a place in the new 2013 edition of the book.

The Phoenix Nights creator easily surpassed the previous holder, Achmed The Dead Terrorist ventriloquist Jeff Dunham’s, who sold 742,322 tickets over 145 dates in his 2009 American tour.

Kay said of his inclusion in the new book: ‘I'm extremely proud to have receiving such an honour. I never imagined that one day I'd be included in the Guinness World Records, just goes to show that the lovely Roy Castle was right, dedication is exactly what you need if you want to be a record breaker.’

Tim Minchin also finds his way into the book, by way of Matilda: The Musical – which he wrote the music and lyrics for. The Royal Shakespeare Company took the record for most Olivier theatre awards by scooping seven at this year’s ceremony, one more than long-term record holder Nicholas Nickleby,

And Sir Bruce Forsyth has been acknowledged by the book’s publishers for the longest career as a TV entertainer (male) – for the 72 years since his debut in 1939 on BBC’s Come and Be Televised when he was just 11 years old.

Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday, said: ‘We’ve re-discovered this year just how brilliant and gifted our talent is in the UK. We may be a small nation but our athletes, comedians, TV stars and musicians make a huge impact around the world. It’s something the UK needs to celebrate and be proud of.’

The new edition of Guinness World Records is out next Thursday, click here to preorder.

Published: 7 Sep 2012