Peter Kay’s first stand-up tour in eight years has been cancelled due to ‘unforeseen family circumstances’.

Kay was due to perform at the O2 Arena in Greenwich in the middle of September next year but now customers will be left disappointed.

The hotly anticipated UK and Ireland tour was due to begin in Birmingham in April, with dates through to 2019.

In a statement posted on his official Twitter account on Wednesday, Kay said: "Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects. This unfortunately includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance For Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.

"My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first.

"I've always endeavoured to protect my family's privacy from the media. I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time.

"Once again, I'm very sorry."

The statement added that ticket holders for both Peter Kay's Live Arena Tour and Dance For Life shows will be refunded from their original point of purchase.

Shortly after tickets for the initial 26 gigs went on sale in November, he tripled the line-up of events to more than 80.

He was meant to perform in Greenwich from September 13 to 29.