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

The hotly anticipated UK and Ireland tour was due to begin in Birmingham in April, with dates through to 2019 including six nights at both Dublin’s 3Arena and the SSE Arena in Belfast.

In a statement posted on his official Twitter account on Wednesday, Kay 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."

Statement from Peter Kay: pic.twitter.com/gYhZkq12Q1 — Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) December 13, 2017

The surprise announcement has come as a shock to thousands of fans across Ireland and Britain who were excited to see the 44-year-old comedian make his return the stage.Soon after the announcement, Kay’s website crashed following the high volume of traffic from fans wanting to know more about the cancellation.

Irish customers who purchased online or by telephone using debit or credit card no action is required as your account will automatically be refunded within the next few days.

For customers who purchased in person from a Ticketmaster agent outlet or venue full refunds are available from your point of purchase from tomorrow, Thursday, December 14 at 10am.

Peter Kay on The Late Late Show in November

Kay appeared on The Late Late Show earlier this year and told Ryan Tubridy that if he was ever to make an album, it would have to a charity record full of hymns.

"I'd do big band hymns. Do a bit of Bublé with them"

Check out what happened below!