Peter Key fans’ long wait to see him once again perform live will finally be over this evening, Friday December 2.

The sold-out show is the first of his Peter Kay Live tour which kicks off at the AO Arena in Manchester tonight.

The Boltonian comedy legend is returning to the stage for the first time in 12 years and is scheduled to be running mammoth the tour up and down the country until July 2025.

His previous 2010 live tour scored him the Guinness World Record for the biggest selling run of all time, playing to more than 1.2m people.

The 49-year-old, who has largely been away from the cameras in recent years, caused a huge stir following the announcement of his tour.

READ MORE: Bolton's Peter Kay announces stand-up comedy tour

In the announcement during an advert break for I’m a Celebrity last month he said: “It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy, and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now.

“And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35 – the same price they were on my previous tour in 2010.”

Eager fans clamoured for tickets, causing the website to temporarily crash.

READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness on trying to get Peter Kay tickets

Even former Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy co-star and fellow Bolton comic Paddy McGuinness weighed in on the furore on social media.

He said: “Afternoon. Man’s not got Peter Kay tickets. Have a lovely day. x"

The excitement certainly got to one woman from Bradford, who spent nearly £400 on the wrong tickets, accidentally picking up 10 tickets to see the Harlem Globe Trotters.

Doors open tonight at 6.30pm for an 8pm start.

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