The comedian will play the 3Arena next year

The last time that Peter Kay played Dublin, it was on his 2010 tour - which still ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time.

Although he has done the odd charity gig and filmed two series of the hugely successful 'Peter Kay's Car Share', the Bolton comedian has been away from the touring scene over the past decade for an unspecified reason. Although there was unfounded speculation that he had health issues, this was never confirmed by either the comedian or his management.

Now, however, the 49-year-old is returning to stand-up and has announced a UK and Irish tour for 2022 and 2023, saying “It’' good to get back to what I love doing best - stand-up comedy - and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh, it’s now."

It kicks off in Manchester next month and will hit Dublin's 3Arena on April 6th and 7th.

Tickets for the Dublin date are from €48.05 including booking fee, and are on sale this Saturday, November 12th at 10am from Ticketmaster.