COMEDIAN Peter Kay has cancelled his first live stand-up tour in eight years due to "unforeseen family circumstances".

The tour was due to run throughout the UK and Ireland from April next year, dates planned in Yorkshire at the first direct Arena in Leeds.

Kay posted a statement on his Twitter feed which said: "Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects. This unfortunately includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance For Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.

"My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first. I've always endeavoured to protect my family's privacy from the media. I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again, I'm very sorry."

Ticketholders for both Peter Kay's Live Arena Tour and Dance For Life shows will be refunded from their original point of purchase, the statement also said.