As part of BBC One's Big Night In spectacular

Peter Kay will make his first TV appearance in two years later this month as part of a live three hour charity spectacular on the BBC.

The comic is among the first contributors to be named for the Big Night In fundraiser, scheduled to air live on St George’s Day, April 23

Aside from the 'Comedy Shuffle' series that repackage his greatest hits, Kay was last on TV in the second series of Car Share in May 2018, but that was filmed before he withdrew from public life the previous year.

Citing ‘unforeseen family circumstances’, he cancelled what would have been his first stand-up tour for eight years.

He had been set for a return to the spotlight this month,  DJing his Dance For Life fundraisers, which were subsequently cancelled because of coronavirus. At the time, Kay said:  ‘Obviously this is disappointing news but well and truly justified given the circumstances. We’ll get through this, together and then we’ll all have a great big dance for life. Stay safe and look after yourselves and the people around you.’

Made with Children in Need and Comic Relief, The Big Night In aims to celebrate ‘acts of kindness, humour and the spirit of hope and resilience that is keeping the nation going’.

Comic Relief founder Lenny Henry announced on The One Show tonight that Catherine Tate and Gary Barlow would also be taking part.

Producers at BBC Studios promise the show will bring ‘big surprises, money-can’t-buy prizes, live music performances from the artists’ homes and many of your favourite faces’.

And Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: 'The Big Night In is a fantastic way to channel the amazing outpouring of generosity we are seeing from the British people.

‘ It’s brilliant to see BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief coming together for the first time to ensure help gets to those that need it most, and to celebrate those who are going above and beyond in their communities. We’re working with the BBC and others to ensure this event is a huge success.'

Suzy Lamb, managing director of entertainment and music for BBC Studios added: ‘It’s an absolute privilege to be producing what will be an incredible night of TV filled with entertainment and emotion.  This will be a chance to show our appreciation to all the services and heroes, while uniting two amazing charities, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief for the first time ever. You really won’t want to leave the sofa!’

Funds raised during the three-hour show will be split equally between the two charities to help provide emergency support for vulnerable people during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Published: 7 Apr 2020