Beloved Bolton comedian Peter Kay has offered a refreshingly honest and humorous insight into his decades-long struggle with his weight and fitness, during a recent chat on BBC Radio 2 with Sara Cox.
A Lifelong Battle with the Scales
Kay, who appeared notably trim during recent TV appearances, confessed that trying to lose weight has been a constant feature of his life. When asked by Cox if he had ever attempted to slim down, the 52-year-old quipped: "Only for the first 48 years of my life." He explained that a focus on his health eventually became the driving force, stating, "Yeah, I had to eventually, because you start thinking about your health and things like that, don't you?"
He recounted a particularly telling anecdote from the year 2000, when a cinema trip to see The Green Mile in Bolton with his wife Susan led to a diet disaster. Sneaking out to buy a hotdog, he was consumed with guilt. "I caught a glimpse of myself. I thought 'look at you, you should be ashamed of yourself' and I threw the rest of it in the bin," he said. The commitment was short-lived, however, as he immediately "grabbed it and had another bite" before returning to his seat, only to be rumbled by his wife who could smell it on his breath.
Gym Horrors and Aerobics with Tizer
Kay's attempts at getting fit have been equally fraught with comedic mishaps. He recalled trying to follow his mum's Rosemary Connolly fitness video, only to be exhausted by what was supposedly the "warm-up". His foray into a David Lloyd gym in Bolton was cut short by an aversion to casual nudity. "You know why I stopped going? Men just talking to you naked," he revealed.
Other failed regimes included high-energy aerobics, where he would hide at the back with a two-litre bottle of Tizer, and a punishing stint at an "old school" gym under arches in central Manchester. "A lad ran this gym he had me pulling a tyre outside. Honestly it were awful," Kay said, admitting he would often hide in the toilets to sob from the exertion.
Charity Tour and Comedy Heroes
Beyond the personal revelations, Kay also discussed his ongoing Better Late Than Never stand-up tour, which has been extended once more. He announced that proceeds from the final performances next year will be donated to 12 different cancer charities. "Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who's been affected on that list and I just hope people support it," the comedian remarked.
During the interview, Kay also paid touching tribute to his comedy idols. He shared a cherished story of receiving a letter in character from the late Ronnie Barker of Porridge fame. He also spoke about his friendship with Billy Connolly, whom he still keeps in touch with. "He's not so good now, but he would still message and that," Kay said, adding, "I think a lot of comedians in this country would not be doing what they did if it weren't for him."
