A popular comedian and TV presenter is getting ready for his new tour with the first of three intimate ‘work in progress’ gigs in Bury this week.

Paddy McGuinness will be playing the sold-out shows at The Met Theatre on Market Street ahead of his much-anticipated ‘Nearly There’ tour.

He will perform today and again next week, before returning in October.

It will be his first  tour in eight years and runs from October 2024 until April 2025 at venues across the UK and Ireland.

The Farnworth-born comedian will be playing at The Met Theatre in Bury this weekThe Farnworth-born comedian will be playing at The Met Theatre in Bury this week (Image: Ben Page)

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Paddy, 51, first rose to fame starring in sitcom Phoenix Nights alongside Bolton’s Peter Kay. He has gone on to present TV shows Top Gear, Take Me Out and more.

The Farnworth-born comedian, who now hosts his own radio show, took part in BBC Radio 2’s Party in the Park in Preston last weekend, with crowds cheering as he performed ‘Agadoo’ on stage with actress and presenter Vicky McClure and 80s pop band, Black Lace.

Speaking about the tour, he said: “Paddy said: “It’s been eight years since my last tour and there’s lots of things to laugh about! I’m looking forward to getting back in front of a live audience, along with running the gauntlet of cancel culture, click bait and fake news!”