The comedian’s fans offer him a memorable welcome back as he embarks on a record-breaking tour.

Peter Kay was in tears after receiving a standing ovation on Friday night, the opening night of his homecoming tour.

The comedian launched his concert at the Manchester AO Arena to a standing ovation, marking the beginning of his first live tour in 12 years.

Thousands of people in the audience applauded, yelled, and sang his name for several minutes.

Kay leaned on a stool before rubbing his eyes and rising to his feet.

“Oh my God, look at me! What the hell is going on? How am I expected to do comedy now?” he questioned the crowd

“I can’t believe I sobbed, where did all that feeling come from?” he reportedly said.

After four years away from the public eye, Kay, 49, appeared much thinner upon his return to live duty.

His previous tour was canceled in December 2017 owing to “unforeseen family circumstances”; the reason for this hiatus sparked rumors regarding his health but remains unexplained.

After just announcing his comeback during an ad break for I’m a Celebrity…, the Bolton-born singer is expected to make up for lost time and surpass his record for the highest-selling comedy tour.

He now has more than one hundred arena gigs scheduled across the country until the summer of 2025, including a monthly residency at the O2 Arena in London.

The Manchester Evening News gave the new performance five stars and called it a “triumphant return” with “plenty of brilliant shocks” and an unforgettable conclusion.

“For diehards, there were knowing laughs in response to legendary comments from years past. Those who had never seen him live before we’re treated to his amusing comments on contemporary culture.

Fans also complimented the evening on social media, with Paul Greenhalgh tweeting: “I was anxious for Peter Kay tonight, thinking he might not be as amazing as he always was.

“After ten minutes, I can’t see or hear from laughing; this man is a genius.”

Feel privileged to have witnessed @peterkay co.UK tonight. What a return from the greatest comedian in history! Legend.”

Chris Atkinson commented, “Peter Kay still has what it takes. Tonight’s performance was a rout, and it was hilarious!