A COMEDIAN has expressed his delight at being able to take his Phoenix Nights character on the road for his upcoming stand-up tour.

Alex Lowe played hapless psychic Clinton Baptiste in the first series of the hit Peter Kay show, which celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year.

Baptiste remains an oft-quoted character from the show and Alex is now preparing for a new outing as the psychic.

Alex’s ‘Stratospheric’ tour will run from September - December and takes in two nights at the Albert Halls in Bolton on November 5 and 6, as well as other venues across the country.

With the tour just a couple of months away and tickets selling out fast, Alex has spoken of his enjoyment in touring as Clinton.

He said: “We were selling tickets last year and it was going so well but obviously because of Covid that stopped dead, so I am delighted to be back and doing a new show.

“I have been plotting and planning and writing for many months. I have got new costumes, worked on the music and created visual parts of the show so I hope it can all go ahead.”

Phoenix Nights, set in Bolton, ran for two series from 2001-2002, spawning a spin-off series and a live show.

Clinton Baptiste is a psychic booked by Peter Kay’s character Brian Potter for a night of intrigue and mystery - with hilarious results.

And Alex, who has also appeared in Peep Show, The Thick Of It and Cold Feet, is grateful that he can still bring in laughs with Baptiste.

He said: “I am so pleased that Peter Kay has kindly let me use the character - I have also cleared it with Dave Spikey and Neil Fitzmaurice who have given me their permission.

“I don’t take the mickey with it - I will speak to Peter if there is something I am looking at doing and want to get his thoughts.

“I am amazed that people still remember the character, especially as he was in only one episode. But I would like to think that I have fleshed him out and gone into a bit more detail. It has been great fun to do it and I hope people can come along and enjoy it.”

Alex said that he didn’t think a third series of the hit show would go ahead, although he did say he would jump at the chance to appear in it again.

Tickets for the tour are available now.

To find out more information and to book, visit clintonbaptiste.com.