PETER KAY returned to television for the first time in two years to lift spirits with a remake of his classic video for the Tony Christie hit Amarillo.
Appearing in his garden, decked out in a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses and hat, while eating an ice lolly, the Bolton comedian introduced the updated clip, which has been remade with key workers and members of the public recreating Kay’s iconic dance.
“15 years ago, I did a sketch for Comic Relief called (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. I never imagined that it would go down so well and make everybody happy,” Kay said.
“And I thought, what a perfect time to bring it recreate it again.”
“Take care and enjoy yourselves in (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. Lots of love to you all.”
Kay had previously called on nurses, firefighters and other key workers to join him in remaking the video, which was put together for Comic Relief and Children In Need’s The Big Night In charity fundraiser.
Earlier in the week, the comedian had posted a message on Twitter thanking everyone who submitted a video for the new version of Amarillo.
Kay said: “I wanted to say a huge heartfelt thanks to everybody who’s took the time to film themselves marching to Amarillo.
“We’ve literally received thousands. Lots of very emotional clips from nurses & care workers & key workers & shoe repairers. Thank you all xxx”
Msg from Peter:
I wanted to say a huge heartfelt thanks to everybody who’s took the time to film themselves marching to Amarillo.
We’ve literally received thousands. Lots of very emotional clips from nurses & care workers & key workers & shoe repairers.
Thank you all xxx— Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) April 22, 2020
He went on to share some of the footage sent in including workers as a Marks and Spencer store dancing around a selection of food products and workers at St Giles Hospice.
Kay’s was last seen on TV back in May 2018, when the second series of his hit sitcom, Car Share, ended.
#BigNightInAmarillo pic.twitter.com/SWkrY505tC
— Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) April 23, 2020
#BigNightInAmarillo pic.twitter.com/g7LzA3HMJC
— Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) April 23, 2020
Back in December 2017, Kay cancelled what would have been a record-breaking 100 date arena tour citing "unforeseen family circumstances."
An announcement on his Facebook page read: "Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects."
#BigNightInAmarillo pic.twitter.com/naHzRRW51e
— Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) April 23, 2020
He has been largely absent from screens since, with reports suggesting he has been living in rural Ireland since scrapping the tour.
The comedian reportedly retreated to a secluded house in Co. Tipperary to escape the rigours of celebrity life for a while.
pic.twitter.com/yYULAINotg #BigNightInAmarillo
— Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) April 23, 2020
Kay's mother, Deirdre O'Neill, is from Coalisland in County Tyrone.
