One of the nation’s favourite comedians has been at the centre of a ‘death hoax’ on Twitter.
Phoenix Nights and Car Share star Peter Kay found himself trending last night when a #RIPPETERKAY was created.
It’s not the first time someone has started a rumour Peter passed away – someone did the same thing on Twitter last year.
Read more: Peter Kay ‘increased fortune to £32million last year’ despite stepping out of the blue
The notoriously publicity-shy comedian cancelled his upcoming work projects in December 2017.
Dad-of-one Peter, whose final episode of smash hit sitcom Car Share aired on BBC One last May, said in a tweet: “This, unfortunately, includes my upcoming stand-up tour Dance For Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.
“My sincerest apologies. The decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my family must always come first.”
And now a prankster started the rumour on Twitter, which enraged thousands of his fans.
https://twitter.com/yaboij0shua/status/1192700486035673088
Whoever started this is sick. #RIPPETERKAY
— bethany 🤘🏼 (@AllonsyWhovian_) November 8, 2019
One exasperated fan wrote: “Why the hell is #RIPPETERKAY [trending] when the man is alive and well?”
While another commented: “Whoever started this is sick.”
Peter Kay is going to be somewhat upset to discover he has died. #RIPpeterkay
— Swifty (@BeckyEcki) November 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/XxPAGZxX/status/1192593946838478849
The hoax was also being treated with Twitter’s trademark humour.
One person said: “Peter Kay is going to be somewhat upset to discover he has died.”
#RIPPETERKAY thank God he's not actually DEAD!!! pic.twitter.com/m1peSe1s44
— debs 🐝🐝🐝 (@donutsdebsdibs) November 8, 2019
Read more: Peter Kay breaks silence for first time since cancelling 112-date tour
Finally, there was relief.
One fan wrote: “Thank God he’s no actually dead!!”