British comedian Peter Kay recently found himself at the center of controversy
after reports surfaced that he made a “derogatory” joke at actress Lisa Riley’s expense during a performance in Manchester.
However, Riley has since spoken out, making it clear that she is not offended by the remark and urging people to move on.
Peter Kay Handles Hecklers at Manchester Show
During his Better Late Than Never Again tour stop at the AO Arena,
Kay was reportedly left frustrated when an audience member continuously shouted his iconic catchphrase, “garlic bread,” disrupting his set.
The situation escalated further when a woman expressed her admiration for the comedian by shouting, “We love you, Peter!”
Kay then requested security to remove both individuals from the venue. According to an eyewitness who spoke with the Manchester Evening News, as the woman was being escorted out, Kay allegedly compared her to Lisa Riley, best known for her role on Emmerdale and as the former host of You’ve Been Framed! The remark was perceived by some as a dig at Riley’s weight, though it remains unclear whether Kay intended it as an insult.
Lisa Riley Reacts with Laughter
Following media coverage of the incident, Lisa Riley took to Instagram to address the situation. Rather than expressing outrage, she shared a lighthearted image that read, “Keep calm and laugh,” alongside a caption emphasizing that she found the joke amusing. “It’s a laugh, it’s funny!” Riley wrote, making it evident that she did not take offense.
In a subsequent post, the actress made her feelings even clearer, stating that she has immense love for Peter Kay and sees no reason for controversy. “Please draw a line under this now,” Riley urged her followers. “I am not offended, never was offended. I love Peter Kay to pieces. Laughter is my favorite medicine.”
Audience Members Divided Over Kay’s Actions
While Riley took the joke in stride, some audience members were not as forgiving. One attendee alleged that Kay was visibly annoyed during the show and even engaged in a lengthy rant after asking the crowd whether the hecklers should be removed. The audience reaction appeared to be split—some found the exchange entertaining, while others believed Kay had taken things too far.
“He then proceeded to shout at them for a good three to five minutes,” the attendee claimed. “Some people were laughing, thinking it was all part of the act, but others were visibly annoyed.”
Another concertgoer voiced their disapproval on social media, writing, “I’ve lost a lot of respect for Peter Kay after the way he treated the heckler at the end of his Manchester show. Having him removed by force and then cracking jokes about it for several minutes was unnecessary.”
Others pointed out that Kay’s reaction dampened the atmosphere in the arena, with one person calling his response “completely inappropriate and unacceptable.”
Peter Kay’s Record-Breaking Tour Continues
Despite the backlash, Kay remains focused on his highly anticipated tour, which includes an impressive 100 shows at the AO Arena alone. In a previous statement, he expressed how much joy performing stand-up brings him, especially during difficult times. “It’s been wonderful doing what I love most—stand-up comedy,” Kay said. “Laughter is more important than ever in these challenging times, and with the cost of living still at an all-time high, ticket prices for the new dates will start from £35.”
While Peter Kay’s handling of the hecklers has drawn mixed reactions, Lisa Riley has made it clear that she holds no ill will toward the comedian. By addressing the situation with humor and positivity, she has effectively shut down any attempts to stir controversy on her behalf.
As Kay’s tour continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live comedy—and the varying ways audiences interpret a comedian’s words and actions. For now, both Riley and Kay seem ready to move on, even if some fans remain divided over the night’s events.
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