Peter Kay's personal life uncovered from weight loss to co-worker wife

Peter Kay looks dramatically different in rare public appearance

He’s one of the UK’s most beloved comics celebrated for his relatable humour and everyman persona. But Manchester-born star Peter Kay’s life has been a rollercoaster of glittering highs and personal lows.

Despite breaking records for his sold-out tours and monthly residency at The O2 in London, the 52-year-old star took a long hiatus from the spotlight for personal reasons but made a triumphant return to the spotlight, showcasing an impressive weight loss that left fans stunned.

As the dad-of-three announces an extension to his record-breaking comedy tour, which began in December 2022 and will continue through 2026, let’s take a look at the icon of comedy’s life, from quitting comedy, his co-worker wife and dramatic weight loss.

comedy icon Peter Kay continues his record-breaking comedy tour across the UK (Image: Getty)

In 2017 Peter devastated his fans by announcing the cancellation of his tour (Image: Getty)

Quitting Comedy

In 2017, the garlic bread jokester devastated his fans by announcing the cancellation of his eagerly awaited comeback tour, citing "unforeseen family circumstances".

After retreating from the public eye for years, Kay made a brief return in 2018 to promote a charity screening for The Lily Foundation, helping children with mitochondrial disease.

He explained his personal connection, saying: "I have firsthand experience of the charity's work." However, Kay soon vanished again, moving to Tipperary, Ireland, to maintain a low profile.

He released a heartfelt statement during his tour cancellation: “Due to unforeseen family circumstances I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects.

"This unfortunately includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance For Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.”

He apologised to fans, adding: “I hope my fans will understand my family must always come first and I am very sorry.”

Kay made a notable return to comedy with his stand-up tour in December 2022 and recently announced his plans to extend it through 2026 due to high ticket sales

Peter shocked fans with his dramatic weight loss (Image: PA)

Weight Loss

Comedian Peter Kay wowed fans with his remarkable weight loss, looking significantly slimmer at a 2023 stand-up show at the O2.

The snap appearing alongside musician Bryan Edery caused a stir online, to the point where some hardly recognised him. Despite his casual black tracksuit, it was clear Kay had lost several pounds.

On tour, Kay humorously spoke about his weight loss, remarking: “See how much weight Peter Kay has lost." Fans were quick to notice his transformation on Instagram, saying he looked much leaner and healthier than before. A wave of comments from shocked fans flooded in amid the star's transformation.

“Amazing photo! How much weight has Peter lost?!” gushed one fan. Another added: “Wow you've lost weight, look brilliant" and a third shared: "Didn't recognise him."

Peter Kay and his wife Susan Gargan share three children (Image: PA)

Co-Worker Wife

Peter Kay and his wife Susan Gargan, who married in 2001 and share three children together, have not only built a strong family but also a formidable business partnership.

Together, they steer Goodnight Vienna Productions, a firm that plays a pivotal role in producing Kay's television and performance work. This collaboration has proven to be a huge financially success, with the company boasting assets worth £25.1 million, including £12.3 million in cash.

In addition to Goodnight Vienna, Kay independently runs Hussain Traders Ltd, an investment company with assets totalling £10.6 million, which includes just under £1 million in cash.

Despite Kay's limited public appearances over the past 12 years, his joint ventures with his wife have kept their finances booming.

Both companies' financial details, reported up to March 2022, highlight a combined asset total of nearly £36 million.