PETER Kay is celebrating after becoming the proud father of a baby boy.

Wife Susan gave birth by Caesarian section on Monday night to Charlie Michael, who weighed in at 7lb 3oz.

Today Peter, aged 30, said: "We are both over the moon and mother and baby are thankfully doing very well."

Charlie was born at a Manchester hospital at 9.01pm. The news tops a great start to 2004 for the Bolton comedian and star/writer of the hit Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights. Sales of his Bolton Albert Halls live stand-up show on DVD and video passed the one million mark at Christmas.

This year he will write and star in Road to Nowhere, a Channel 4 comedy series featuring the further adventures of Phoenix Nights doormen Max and Paddy. Filming is due to begin in the Spring and the series is set to be broadcast later in the year.

Meanwhile, earlier yesterday Peter was named the second most influential person in British comedy.

He has risen from 15th to second place in the annual top 50 list compiled by the Radio Times and beat Ricky Gervais, who ended the year with The Office Christmas specials, who was placed third.

Graham Norton was crowned the most influential. Manchester funnyman and The Royle Family star Craig Cash shot up to number six, following the success of his sitcom Early Doors.

Little Britain's Matt Lucas and David Walliams were the highest new entry at number 10.

The list took into account ratings, critical acclaim, financial success and track records.