Lisa Riley reacts to Peter Kay’s ‘upsetting’ gig jibe

Peter Kay’s Controversial Remark During Manchester Gig Sparks Debate

Peter Kay, the beloved Bolton comedian, found himself at the center of a controversy during his recent Manchester gig when he reportedly likened a heckler to actress Lisa Riley. The incident occurred on Saturday night during Kay’s sold-out show at the AO Arena, part of his record-breaking Better Late Than Never Again tour. As the audience enjoyed the performance, a woman shouted, "We love you, Peter," which seemed like a harmless expression of admiration. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned sour when security guards escorted her out of the venue. Kay, known for his sharp wit and ability to think on his feet, made a comment comparing the heckler to Lisa Riley, a well-known British actress and TV personality. While some in the audience laughed, believing it was part of the show, the woman later expressed her hurt and frustration over the remark.

The Heckler’s Emotional Response to the Incident

The woman involved in the incident spoke to the Manchester Evening News, sharing her feelings about what transpired. She admitted that she was "annoyed and upset" by Kay’s comment, stating, "To go to a show and feel like you’re having the mick taken out of you because of your weight, I was just a bit shocked." She described the moment as having a "nastiness" to it, suggesting that Kay’s tone felt more mocking than humorous. The woman also noted that while the rest of the arena erupted in laughter, she felt isolated and targeted, believing that Kay was attempting to turn the crowd against her. Her account highlights the delicate balance comedians must strike when addressing hecklers, as what may seem like a harmless joke to some can deeply affect others.

Lisa Riley’s Graceful Response to the Situation

Lisa Riley, the actress referenced in Kay’s comment, took to Instagram to address the situation. Riley, who is best known for her roles in Emmerdale and as the host of You’ve Been Framed, chose not to escalate the matter. Instead, she posted a photo with the caption, "Keep calm and laugh," accompanied by the message, "It’s a laugh, it’s funny!!!" Her response was lighthearted and reflective of her personality, showing that she harbored no ill will toward Kay. A day later, Riley followed up with another post, urging everyone to "draw a line under this now." She emphasized that she was "not offended" and had always admired Kay, adding, "Laughter is my favorite medicine." Riley’s gracious reaction not only diffused the tension but also reminded fans of the importance of humor and kindness in resolving conflicts.

Peter Kay Defends His Actions, Claims No Ill Intent

Peter Kay addressed the situation during an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. He explained that his comment about the heckler resembling Lisa Riley was not intended as an insult. "I didn’t realise it was an insult. She did look remarkably like Lisa Riley, I didn’t realise that was an insult," he said in a statement. Kay also discussed his approach to hecklers, stating that he takes action when audience members disrupt the show for others. He believes it’s "no longer fair" to let hecklers ruin the experience for the rest of the audience. During the same Manchester gig, Kay had two men removed after one repeatedly shouted "garlic bread," a catchphrase associated with his comedy. While some audience members found Kay’s handling of the hecklers entertaining, others were taken aback by his approach.

Audience Reactions to the Heckling Incident

The audience’s response to Kay’s handling of the hecklers was mixed. One attendee told the Manchester Evening News that Kay "shouted" at the hecklers for "a good three to five minutes" during the show. While some people couldn’t believe what they were witnessing and were obviously annoyed, others laughed, either thinking it was part of the act or