Comedy legend Peter Kay has stunned fans by admitting that his newly announced run of gigs “really are the last” he will ever perform. The Car Share creator, 52, opened up about the future of his career during an appearance on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, revealing that even after decades in the spotlight, he still gets stage fright.

Peter Kay memorabilia

Peter has unveiled a final string of charity shows—each raising funds for cancer organisations—but insisted this will mark the end of his time on stage. He told Scott: “I always loved making people happy, I still do. It feels like a calling, really. I always knew I liked making people laugh, but there’s no chance I’ll ever be able to do that as a living again. These really are the last dates.”

When Scott cheekily compared him to skating icons Torvill and Dean—who famously ‘retired’ multiple times—Peter laughed and replied: “Oh, I’m not that bad. They’ve retired about 10 times!”

Comedy show tickets

Appearing later on The One Show, the comedian became emotional as he confirmed: “It’s finishing next year, and I’m announcing the last lot of shows. All profits are going to cancer charities.”

He went on to name all 12 causes: Children with Cancer UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, Kidney Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, DKMS, Ovarian Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Anthony Nolan, the Brain Tumour Charity and Breast Cancer UK.

Charity event tickets

Peter added: “Sadly, everybody knows someone affected by something on that list, and I just hope people support it. Come to the shows – that’s why I’m here. You don’t even have to like me, it goes beyond that. This is about supporting those charities.”