Lard was reported earlier this week to be performing dates up and down the country as demand shoots up following Kay’s decision not to go ahead with his planned comeback jaunt.

The impersonator is set play an astronomical 200 shows this year, across Britain, Spain and the Canary Islands.

“To say Lee’s show has bridged a gap is an understatement,” said one promoter to the Daily Star.

“He is utterly brilliant and performs a heart-felt tribute to the main man.

“Thanks to Lee thousands of fans are still able to get their Peter Kay fix.”

Lard’s manager told The Sun: “Lee has been booking shows for 14 years. He’s the only tribute to Peter Kay in the country and does around 150-200 shows a year.

“Peter knows Lee well, he appeared in the Amarillo video with him.”

Lard is thought to be the only Peter Kay tribute act in the UK, making him all the more bankable for promoters.

The above clip from 2014 sees him sounding a lot like Kay, and leaving his gathered audience in stitches.

Kay had to cancel his return last year for undisclosed reasons, after selling out all tickets in lightning speed.

He said at the time: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having 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.”

His statement continued: “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.”

He returned to social media today to announce a special screening of Car Share, in aid of charity.

The comedian’s Twitter account announced to his 727,000 followers a screening of the new episodes, saying: “Exciting new. A charity screening of new Peter Kay’s Car Share episodes will be held at Blackpool Opera House on Saturday 7th April. Tickets on sale Saturday 9am.”

Tickets are available for £13.20 and the money raised will be donated to the Lily Foundation – raising cash for people living with mitochondrial disease.

A representative from the Lily Foundation told Express.co.uk: “Peter Kay he has done a few bits for us and supported us for the last couple of years.

“He got involved via one of our patrons – Lucy Speed after they worked together on Cradle to the Grave. And he hosted our annual ball in 2016.”