Comedian Peter Kay delights fans by joining Instagram

Peter Kay has thrilled fans by returning to social media with a new Instagram.

The Phoenix Nights and Car Share star has kept a relatively low profile in recent years.

However, he returned to the stage in 2021 and is now promoting a show.

Read more: Peter Kay announces BBC return after absence for personal reasons

A tweet from his account on Thursday (31 March) directed fans to a new Instagram, where the star has posted twice and already has over 2,000 followers.

The first image is a picture of Kay, while the second is an image of the poster for his Dance For Life event.

The event is in aid of Cancer Research and will stop in London, Manchester and Liverpool.

"Extra tickets just released for Peter Kay's Dance For Life in Manchester and Liverpool," the caption said.

Fan were thrilled to see Kay on the platform.

“Welcome Peter,” one person posted.

“Exciting! Welcome to Instagram!” said another, while one just wrote: “Hoorah!!!”

“Hello, good to see you've joined the Instagram squad,” another said.

Another wrote: “Miss you on telly Peter, great times.”

Kay hasn’t been seen much since 2017, when he cancelled all of his work commitments – including a big tour - due to “unforeseen family circumstances”.

Offering his “sincerest apologies” the star told his fans at the time: “This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first.”

Kay went on to make some public appearances to support charity work and in 2018 he was on TV for two special episodes of his sitcom Car Share.

The star returned to the stage last year for a charity show at Manchester’s O2 Apollo and got a standing ovation from the audience.

Read more: Peter Kay makes rare TV appearance on BBC's coronavirus fundraiser

He was quoted as saying to the crowd: “I've never in my life had a standing ovation when I came on. I'm going to go away for four more years.”

Watch: Why Peter Kay is coming back to stage