PETER Kay’s hit TV comedy Phoenix Nights is to return for the first time in 15 years - with a live show in aid of Comic Relief.

Tickets for the show at Manchester Arena on Saturday and Sunday, January 31 and February 1 next year go on sale from this Sunday at 11am.

It is the first time that the full original cast from the award winning comedy have reunited since the critically-acclaimed show finished after two series, 12 years ago.

The show followed the rise and fall of wheelchair-bound scheming club impresario Brian Potter, played by Peter, and his band of loyal staff and regulars who will do just about anything to make his beloved Phoenix club a success, despite the odds being stacked against them.

As the news, which will delight Phoenix Nights fans across the UK, was announced today, Peter said: “Comic Relief has always been close to my heart and I always try to think of something.

“I could think of no better way to raise money and have fun then getting everybody back together.”

Phoenix Nights was first aired on Channel 4 in 2001, starring Peter, his long-time friend – and now TV presenter - Paddy McGuinness as doorman Max, Dave Spikey as club MC Jerry St Clair, Justin Moorhouse, Ted Robbins, Archie Kelly and Neil Fitzmaurice, who also co-wrote both series with Peter and Dave.

A second series was shown the year after, but despite calls from fans, there has never been a third.

Peter told The Bolton News this week: “This is just a one-off live show. The third series has been written since 2005, but I think we should just take things one step at a time.

“I started organising this in February; everybody has been busy with one thing and another.”

The series was set and filmed in Bolton, largely in St Gregory’s Social Club, Church Street, Farnworth.

In 2004, Peter and Paddy reunited for a spin-off show based on the adventures of their doormen characters – Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere.

During Peter’s record breaking stand-up tour he played 40 nights at the Manchester Arena – an achievement that has never beaten by any other act.

He also worked at the arena as a steward whenit opened in 1995, as he was starting his career in comedy.

The Bolton comedian is currrently also editing a new series, Car Share, which is due to be aired on the BBC in spring 2015.

Tickets will be available from the following outlets:

  • www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 8110051
  • www.ticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 8262826
  • www.eventim.co.uk / 0844 8478000

Red Nose Day returns on Friday March 13 and Comic Relief spends the money raised to help people living in horrendous conditions across the UK and Africa.