Peter Kay is set to make his return to television in charity telethon The Big Night In, which aims to raise money for the fight against coronavirus.
The comedian, 46, will be joined by the likes of Gary Barlow and Catherine Tate for the event, which sees BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief join forces for the very first time.
The three-hour broadcast is expected to feature prize giveaways, live performances streamed from the artists’ homes and a series of celebrity cameos, according to the BBC.
It will mark Kay’s first TV appearance since 2017, when he appeared at the We Are Manchester concert after the Manchester Arena bombing.
Later that year, he cancelled his stand-up tour due to “unforeseen family circumstances.”
In February, the comic announced a return to the stage for a string of Dance For Life charity shows to raise money for Cancer Research UK in April and May 2020.
Last month, however, the shows were cancelled as the coronavirus crisis worsened, with Kay telling fans: “Obviously this is disappointing news but well and truly justified given the circumstances.
“We’ll get through this together and then we’ll all have a great big dance for life.”
The Big Night In is scheduled to take place on April 23 and will highlight the work of those dealing with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic as well as providing entertainment for the nation in lockdown.
Speaking via video stream on The One Show on Tuesday evening, Comic Relief co-founder Sir Lenny Henry promised a “fantastic night” to “cheer people up in this terrible crisis”.
“And if people of course want to donate they can give a bit of money to help all of the vulnerable, smaller charities across the country who work with people of any age and any background who need it,” he said.
“And even if you can’t donate just watch, it’ll cheer you up.”
The Big Night In will air on BBC One from 7pm on Thursday, April 23.
With additional reporting by Press Association
