A Comedy Show Sparks Controversy

Peter Kay’s Better Late Than Never Again! tour in Manchester became the subject of debate following an incident during his February 8 performance at the AO Arena. The comedian removed several disruptive audience members, but it was his comparison of a female heckler to Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley that drew the most attention.

Witnesses reported that Kay, frustrated by repeated interruptions, referred to the woman as Lisa Riley as security escorted her out. Some interpreted the remark as a reference to Riley’s past struggles with weight, particularly given her 12-stone weight loss journey. Others dismissed it as a harmless joke taken out of context.

The disruptions began when a male audience member repeatedly shouted "garlic bread", referencing one of Kay’s famous catchphrases. Security stepped in, but shortly afterward, a female fan loudly expressed her admiration for Kay. In response, he likened her to Riley before she was also removed.

Lisa Riley Dismisses Criticism, Emphasizing Humor

Despite speculation that Riley might have been offended, she quickly addressed the situation, making it clear that she had no issue with the joke. Posting on Instagram, she shared a message encouraging people to stay calm and laugh. She stated that she found the situation amusing and was never upset, urging others to move on.

Best known for her role as Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, Riley reaffirmed her fondness for Kay, emphasizing that laughter is her preferred way of handling situations. She later reinforced her stance with a message encouraging people to focus on positivity rather than immediately assuming the worst.

Peter Kay Defends His Remarks

Kay later responded to the backlash during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, explaining that his comment was never meant as an insult. He said the woman genuinely resembled Lisa Riley and that he did not anticipate his words being taken negatively.

Defending his decision to remove the hecklers, Kay stressed that their behavior had become too disruptive. He explained that when he asked the audience whether they wanted the interruptions to stop, around 40 people raised their hands in agreement. He felt obligated to act to ensure the rest of the audience could enjoy the show.

Divided Audience Reactions

The incident sparked mixed reactions from fans. Some attendees criticized Kay’s handling of the situation, describing his response as unnecessarily harsh. A few expressed disappointment, saying they had lost respect for him and felt the atmosphere had changed after the incident. Some even left the show early, believing the mood had soured.

However, others defended Kay, arguing that the hecklers had disrupted the experience for everyone. Audience members sitting near those removed described them as intoxicated and disorderly, saying their removal was justified. Many praised Kay for maintaining control of the show.

The Broader Debate: Comedy, Heckling, and Public Perception

The controversy highlights the challenges comedians face when dealing with hecklers. While some believe disruptive audience members should expect consequences, others question whether Kay’s remark about Riley was appropriate, especially given her advocacy for body positivity and self-confidence.

However, Riley’s gracious response helped shift the focus away from controversy. By refusing to engage in negativity, she reinforced her belief in choosing laughter over conflict, a message that resonated with many of her supporters.

Final Thoughts

Peter Kay’s tour continues to draw massive audiences, but this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of live performances. While heckling remains a divisive issue, Lisa Riley’s lighthearted response helped defuse the situation, proving that sometimes the best way to handle controversy is with humor.

Rather than dwelling on minor disputes, Riley’s reaction suggests that people should embrace life’s lighter moments and focus on the positive.