Comedian Peter Kay has humorously predicted a swift end for his childhood friend Paddy McGuinness's BBC Radio 2 show, during a lively on-air reunion. The Bolton-born star, 52, confessed he deliberately "stays away" from McGuinness's professional work to avoid causing regulatory chaos.
A Friendship Forged in Childhood
Peter Kay and Paddy McGuinness have been close friends since meeting at nursery school in the 1970s. They both attended Mount St Joseph High School in Farnworth, and their bond later turned professional. Kay brought McGuinness into his TV projects, including That Peter Kay Thing, the iconic Phoenix Nights, and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere.
Following their collaborative work, McGuinness forged a successful solo career as a presenter on shows like Take Me Out and Top Gear, alongside stand-up comedy. Kay, meanwhile, created hits such as Car Share and embarked on major comedy tours.
Radio Reunion Sparks OFCOM Warning
Appearing on McGuinness's Radio 2 programme in late 2025, Kay immediately slipped into familiar banter. When McGuinness, 52, remarked on the oddity of formally introducing his lifelong friend, Kay quipped about the dangers of their casual chat.
"This is why I stay away from all of your professional work," Kay joked. "We're going to get nothing but OFCOM complaints and this will be your last show." McGuinness responded by humorously humming the theme from Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere.
Kay also revealed a behind-the-scenes clash with BBC social media teams, after a previous appearance on Scott Mills' show. He told producers to stop requesting clips for social platforms, stating firmly, "No, that's enough now thanks, leave it."
Phoenix Nights Snubs Netflix Over Trigger Warnings
In a separate revelation, Peter Kay disclosed that he turned down an offer from Netflix to stream Phoenix Nights. The global streaming giant approached him in 2024 about licensing the beloved sitcom.
Kay declined the deal after learning Netflix intended to add a trigger warning to the series. He explained that the show, which follows the misadventures of Brian Potter at The Phoenix Club, was a product of its time and "not very politically correct now."
Despite rejecting the offer, Kay received an air fryer from Netflix, which he believed was an attempt to "sweeten" him. He did, however, offer hope for a potential Phoenix Nights film, confirming a script is written but awaiting advances in "de-aging" technology for flashback scenes.
Kay's Monumental Tour Continues
Peter Kay's comedy comeback continues to break records. After cancelling his 2017 tour and stepping back from public life, he returned in 2022 with the Better Late Than Never tour. This was followed by an 84-date Better Late Than Never Again tour earlier in 2025.
He has now announced an additional 21 performances, extending his live run through to August 2026, cementing his status as one of the UK's most successful comedians.
