Peter Kay returned for two sell-out shows on Saturday and fans are hoping this marks the comeback of a 'true comedy genius.'
People have been sharing their memories of the Bolton funnyman who emerged on the stand-up comedy scene in the late nineties and shot to fame with the sitcom Phoenix Nights in the early noughties.
The Bolton comedian, who had been away from the stage for almost four years, performed two Q&As in aid of Laura Nuttall, 21, from Pendle in Lancashire, who is battling Glioblastoma, a grade four brain cancer.
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Profits from his two 'Doing It For Laura' shows - a matinee and evening performance - will go to Laura who was in the audience with her family.
As he started the matinee performance Peter admitted he was nervous but said taking to the stage again was 'like getting in a hot bath' and fans welcomed him back with open arms.
Fellow comedian Toby Foster, who appeared in Channel Four's Phoenix Nights as Les Campbell - one half of the club's backing band Les Alanos - tweeted: "Great to see Peter Kay back. We met when we were open spots, and he’s always made me laugh.
"He used to turn comedy clubs upside down when he played, he was incredible live. After all this time he still answers the phone when I need him. Go on lad."
Toby's tweet prompted others to share their memories of seeing Peter live.
"I remember seeing him in a pub in Barnsley with you around 1997/8," said one.
And another said: "Probably The Fealty and Firkin, I think @tobyfoster had a comedy club there, could be wrong.
"I met Peter there in 1998, May be the same gig you’re thinking of.
"Turned out his mum and mine are from the same town in Northern Ireland."
Another told Toby: "Always remember you bringing him to Barnsley. Comedy night at the Fealty and Firkin.
"Such a great night. Peter Kay one week then Charlie Chuck a week or two after. I've never laughed so much."
Others explained why Car Share star Peter is so special.
"Never have we needed to be cheered up more than we do now," tweeted one fan.
"Professional smile spreaders like you and Peter are what we're relying on to get us through 2021! Keep the laughter coming! (and THANK YOU!)"
"I love him," said another fan.
"His stand up shows are best I have seen."
Another wrote: "We need more like him: caring, decent and funny."
"He seems like a true friend and his comedy will live forever," another fan tweeted.
And another said about his Apollo shows: "So great to see him back on stage. Let’s hope this is the start of his return a true comic genius."
Peter gave fans of both Max and Paddy's Road To Nowhere and Car Share hope that they might return at the Q&As.
He said Car Share, about the blossoming romance of supermarket assistant manager John Redmond and promotions rep Kayleigh Kitson, may return for a Christmas special.
Six million people tuned into the show's finale in 2018 and ever since viewers have been left wanting more.
Peter, 48, said: "Of all the things I’ve ever done, that’s my favourite of all. I love being with Sian [Gibson] and we had a good laugh.”
And he said he had written two episodes of Max and Paddy that he may choose to make now.
He told how he loved filming the Phoenix Nights spin-off adding: "It was one of the best times."
