British comedian Peter Kay was spotted enjoying a garlic bread from a local bakery in Bolton on January 14, 2026, shortly after discussing his significant weight loss journey. The 52-year-old performer, who returned to the public eye last year after a five-year hiatus, has opened up about his struggles with binge eating and the steps he took to regain control over his health.
During a recent event titled “In Conversation With…” hosted by Sara Cox at The Lowry theatre in Salford, which aired on BBC Radio 2, Kay shared his experiences of trying various weight loss methods. He detailed attempts with programs like Slimming World and WeightWatchers, expressing the challenges he faced throughout his lifelong battle with weight.
Health Concerns Prompt Change
In December 2022, Kay revealed the turning point that motivated him to seek change was his health. “I tried everything,” he noted, reflecting on his attempts at weight loss. He recounted a particularly revealing moment at the cinema, where he sneaked out to eat a hotdog while watching a film with his wife, Susan. “I was doing really well with this diet, but I’m so bad with willpower,” he admitted. He described seeing himself in a reflection and feeling ashamed of his actions, leading to a moment of self-realization.
Kay’s relationship with food dates back to his childhood, where he recalled his mother bringing him pies for lunch at primary school. This early introduction to unhealthy eating habits has been a lifelong challenge for him.
A Return to the Spotlight
In 2017, Kay announced the cancellation of his much-anticipated comeback tour due to “unforeseen family circumstances,” which left fans devastated. Following this announcement, he largely withdrew from public life, maintaining a low profile until March 2018 when he resurfaced to promote a charity screening of his series, Peter Kay’s Car Share. This event raised funds for The Lily Foundation, which supports children with mitochondrial disease.
After a year-long break from the public eye, Kay made headlines again in April 2019 with a surprise appearance at a charity screening, raising £34,000 for the same foundation. In February 2020, he resumed his career with plans for six “Dance For Life” shows, but those were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His return to television included a brief appearance in April 2020 during the BBC’s Big Night In Special, where he revived his classic music video for “(Is This The Way To) Amarillo.” By November 2022, he excited fans with the announcement of a new tour, his first in 12 years, which included a monthly residency at London’s O2 Arena.
Kay’s first performance in Manchester brought him to tears when he received a standing ovation from a supportive crowd. Recently, he featured on This Morning with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, discussing his tour and his decision to donate all proceeds to various cancer charities.
Throughout his journey, Kay’s candidness about his struggles and his commitment to charitable causes resonate deeply with his audience, showcasing both his vulnerability and resilience.
