Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights memorabilia goes under the hammer

Auctioneers are hoping to 'pull off' the sale of a cheeky roadside billboard used in Peter Kay's iconic sitcom Phoenix Nights when it goes under the hammer.

The huge six-foot sign, which encouraged drivers to 'turn right and pull off into paradise' is among a treasure trove of props from the cult classic comedy for sale.

The banner - made of paper attached to a polycarbonate sheet - featured in the second series of the hit show.

The hilarious scene sees resident DJ and electrician Ray Von, played by Neil Fitzmaurice, wire the sign to a pressure pad on the road in a big to attract punters.

Banners, beer signs and metal plaques from the iconic clubland-inspired sitcom will also be up for grabs when they’re put under the hammer next week.

The show, starring Peter Kay and Dave Spiker, was based in a working men’s club in Bolton and launched the career of Paddy McGuinness.

And even though it only ran for two seasons, between 2001 and 2002, the Channel 4 sitcom gained a cult following with millions of avid viewers.

A total of 27 different props from the show will go up for sale the billboard expected to be the top seller for an estimated £200 to £300

There are also a series of metallic plaques bearing the ‘Tony Knowles Suite’ and ‘Gavin ‘The Captain’ Gladstone Aged 79 RIP’, which could reach £40 to £120.

Life will imitate art as a collection of beer mats and ashtrays are up for grabs, as they were in the show when boss Brian Potter tried to sell memontos of a fire at the club.

There is also a set of original construction drawings and stage plans for the show, which could set bidders back around £60.

As a bonus, a beach-themed photo cut-out board from spinoff 'Max & Paddy's Road To Nowhere' is also going up for auction and is expected to reach £200-£300.

Warren and Wignall Ltd will be putting the lot under the hammer.

Saleroom manager at Warren and Wignall Ltd, Rob Sweeney, happens to be a massive Peter Kay fan and  said he was very excited when he realised what had come in.

The items were given to the auction house after a man came across some props whilst clearing out a storage unit, and he knew they had sold props from the comedian’s shows before.

All together there are 27 items to choose from.

Rob, who is from Chorley, said: “Any northerner should be a fan of Peter Kay.

An original prop from the Peter Kay series 'Max & Paddy's Road To Nowhere', wooden beach theme photo board cutout, used in the filming of series 1 episode 2 (Image: Warren and Wignall Ltd)

• ALSO READ: Peter Kay's new memoir is named as a Sunday Times Bestseller
• ALSO READ: Peter Kay donates thousands in memory of Laura Nuttall
• ALSO READ: Peter Kay's special introduction for Maura Jackson, the comic

“It’s exciting when you get items like this, especially being a fan and when you also like the things you do.

“We have never had TV props in the three years since I’ve been there, apart from a sign.

“It’s exciting to see what might happen at the auction.”

Fans will be able to bid on items from the Phoenix Nights, including posters, props, original construction, drawing, and stage plans, and Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere collectables, and many more items. 

In 2022 the auction house sold a Phoenix Nights club sign prop that went for £3,000 and they also sold a sign from Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere previously.

An original prop from the Peter Kay series 'Phoenix Nights', Phoenix Club poster (Image: Warren and Wignall Ltd)Rob added: “It’s a bit of memorabilia that no one else owns.

“After selling the Phoenix Night sign, the gentleman got in touch to see if we could sell these items.

“I saw two big signs and thought it was cool and then I went through the box and saw so many items.

“I am a fan, so it’s really interesting to me.

“And my friends are massive fans as well, and I asked them about the items, and they got back within five minutes to say which episode some things were from.”

Rob started at the auction house three years after being made redundant as an engineer and wanting a change.

He said: “I had a background in collecting things and an interest in collecting coins.

“You get all sorts of things, and my job is interesting because you don’t know what is going to come through the door.”

A group of original props from the Peter Kay series 'Phoenix Nights', Smithills items comprising of a table lamp, three ashtrays and  Smithills beer mats, all used in the filming of the series (Image: Warren and Wignall Ltd)Rob recently went to see Peter Kay in Manchester after struggling to get tickets initially due to the high demand, and he says it was a really good show.

Warren and Wignall in Leyland have been going for 50 years and it is a three-generation family firm.

The auction will go live on January 31 at the auction house, which also be available on the online platforms Easy Live Auction and the Sale Room.

There will be between 300 to 400 items available to bid on from next Wednesday which will focus on collectors’ items, including toys, antiques, and oil lamps.

Cast of Phoenix Nights, created by and starring Peter Kay.

Phoenix Nights, starring Bolton-born comedians Peter Kay and Paddy McGuinness, aired for two seasons on Channel 4 between 2001 and 2002.

Since then it has gained a cult following among fans and still remains a quotable and loved show.

Filming for the show took place at St Gregory's Social Club in Farnworth.

To see the items for auction, including the Peter Kay items, click here (shorturl.at/cjmI9).

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.