BBC Big Night In: Peter Kay appears on TV for the first time in two years as he introduces new version of ‘Amarillo’

Stand-up comic and actor recreated his 2005 sketch to raise money for Comic Relief and Children in Need

Peter Kay has made his first TV appearance in two years, introducing a new version of his charity single “Amarillo” as part of the BBC’s Big Night In.

Kay, who has stayed out of the public eye since the final episode of his sitcom Car Share in 2018, appeared sat in the sunshine wearing glasses and a hat and eating an ice lolly.

“Fifteen years ago, I did a sketch for Comic Relief,” he recalled. “I never imagined it would go down so well and make everybody happy, and I thought what a perfect time to recreate it again.”

Kay’s 2005 charity video saw him lip-syncing to Tony Christie’s 1971 hit “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo”, accompanied by stars including Bill Roache, Orville the Duck and Ronnie Corbett – who famously slipped backwards off a treadmill during filming.

The track rocketed to the top of the charts in the wake of the video, staying at number one for seven weeks.

This time, Kay recruited everyday people, including doctors, nurses and firefighters, to record their own clips singing and dancing along to the song.

“I asked a lot of you to film yourselves and send it in,” Kay continued. He then urged viewers to donate money to Comic Relief and Children in Need if they are able.

“If you can’t, don’t worry about it,” Kay added. “You’ve got enough going on.”

Prior to the Car Share finale in 2018, Kay cancelled a nationwide tour due to “unforeseen family circumstances”. A return to the stage this summer has also been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Follow along with the BBC’s Big Night In on our live blog.