Peter Kay’s Last Goodbye: The Comedy Legend Ends His Career With a Heartbreaking Truth as He Admits “These Really Are the Last Shows” and “My Career Is Over.” But Before Saying Farewell, He’s Donating All Profits From His Final Performances to 12 Cancer Charities
Comedy icon Peter Kay has left fans reeling after confirming that his newly announced run of live dates will truly mark the end of his time on stage.
The beloved Car Share creator, 52, made the emotional revelation during an appearance on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, admitting that despite decades of sold-out tours and standing ovations, he still suffers from crippling stage fright.
But this time, he says, it really is over.
“I’ve always loved making people happy — I still do,” Peter told Scott.
“It feels like a calling. 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.”
A Farewell That Isn’t About Him
Peter has unveiled a final string of charity performances, all of which will raise money for cancer organisations — and every single penny of profit will be donated.
When Scott jokingly compared him to skating legends Torvill and Dean, who have announced multiple retirements over the years, Peter laughed:
“Oh, I’m not that bad. They’ve retired about ten times!”
But there was no mistaking the sincerity behind his words.
Tears on The One Show
Later, appearing on The One Show, Peter visibly struggled to hold back tears 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 then went on to reveal the full list of the 12 causes his final tour will support:
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
Breast Cancer UK
‘You Don’t Even Have to Like Me’
In a moment that perfectly captured why Peter remains one of Britain’s most treasured entertainers, he added:
“Sadly, everybody knows someone affected by something on that list.
I just hope people support it. Come to the shows — that’s why I’m here.
You don’t even have to like me. This goes beyond that. This is about supporting those charities.”
The End of an Era
For millions, Peter Kay’s voice has been the soundtrack to family living rooms, car journeys, and packed arenas across the country. Now, after a career defined by warmth, humility and laughter, he is choosing to walk away not with fireworks — but with compassion.
These may be his final jokes on stage, but his last act could well become his greatest legacy.