Peter Kay has revealed he spent “the first 48 years” of his life trying to lose weight, admitting in a new interview with Sara Cox on Radio 2 that he only truly changed when he finally started thinking seriously about his health. The comedian, now 52, appeared in great shape during recent TV appearances and spoke openly about the long, chaotic — and often hilarious — journey that led to his transformation.
Promoting his new book, which includes funny stories about failed diets and fitness routines, Peter said he “tried everything, flaming weight loss groups” and had “done quite well at one point”. But he also laughed at how easily he used to slip, recalling a late-night moment in 2000 when he snuck out mid-film at a Bolton cinema to buy a hotdog while on a strict diet. He said he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection and thought, “look at you, you should be ashamed of yourself,” before tossing the hotdog in the bin — only to grab it back for another bite seconds before it landed.
Returning to his seat, he tried to act normal. His wife Susan immediately called him out, telling him she could “smell it on his breath”.
Peter said he genuinely attempted fitness too. He remembered trying a Rosemary Connolly workout video at home: he was already dripping with sweat when she announced they were “just warming up.” From there he joined a gym in Bolton but stopped because “men just talk to you naked.” He tried high-energy aerobics — always at the back, clutching a two-litre bottle of Tizer — before ending up at an old-school gym in Manchester where he was made to drag a tyre outside. The training was so brutal, he admitted he would hide in the bathroom and “sit and sob.”
Despite the long struggle, Peter is now the healthiest he has been in years as his hugely successful stand-up tour continues into 2026. For his final dates, proceeds will be donated to 12 cancer charities. “Everybody knows someone who’s been affected,” he said, hoping people will support the cause.
He also spoke tenderly about his comedy heroes, revealing that Ronnie Barker once wrote him a two-page letter in character from “Her Majesty’s Prison Slade” after Peter told him how much Porridge meant to him. He still keeps in touch with Billy Connolly too, saying Billy “is not so good now,” but continues to message him. Peter added that British comedy “would look completely different” without Connolly’s influence.
