Peter Kay’s Diary: The hilarious new memoir from the legendary comedian and bestselling author of TV: Big Adventures on the Small Screen

by Peter Kay

Peter Kay returns with his most entertaining autobiography yet!

The Collector’s The first hardback print run will feature an exclusive foiled board design. Order now to avoid missing out!

‘Think of this autobiography as a twelve-month subscription to my memories and meanderings across the calendar year. With each month reflecting a different phase of my life, complete with dodgy decisions, bizarre plot twists and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.’

Peter Kay is back – and funnier than ever – with his most heartfelt and hilarious autobiography yet. Take a whistlestop journey through his life, in a year. From hitting the gym in January, falling in love in February and a nostalgic trip to Ireland at Easter, to buying his first house in May. Then it’s summer holidays at Butlins, a September wedding and, before you know it, he’s packing away the Halloween decorations and sipping a glass of Bailey’s in front of the Christmas telly.

With his trademark warmth and wit, Peter offers a unique take on the calendar year – in a way only he can – cementing his place as one of Britain’s best-loved comedians and a true national treasure.

Peter Kay's book 'Peter Kay’s Diary' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-11-24.

Genres: Nonfiction, Comedy, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir, Humor

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2025

Reviews

[Pete Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book, I could listen to Peter Kay tell stories for hours on end. However, unfortunately, I didn't realise how many of the stories in this book have been repeated previously in his other books and stand up shows, so a lot of this has already been done, bit of a cheek charging £20 for that.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Peter Kay’s diary book with fairly positive expectations, mainly because I enjoy his comedy style. Overall, though, it landed at about a 3 out of 5 for me.

I listened to it as an audiobook, which I think is the best way to experience this book. Hearing Peter Kay narrate his own stories adds authenticity, and his delivery and emphasis enhance the material. Some moments work better when spoken aloud, and his voice makes the diary format feel more personal and relaxed.

However, I struggled to fully connect with much of the content. A large portion of the stories focus on growing up in 1980s Britain, and while these anecdotes are clearly meaningful, they didn’t always resonate with me. The humour often relies on shared cultural references and nostalgia, and without that frame of reference, some stories felt more observational than genuinely funny.

There are still occasional amusing moments, and the affection for everyday life comes through clearly. That said, the diary-style structure can feel repetitive, and without a stronger sense of progression or narrative, my interest sometimes drifted.

I don’t think this is a bad book, but I don’t think I was the perfect audience for it. If you grew up in the same era or enjoy nostalgia-driven humour, you’ll likely get more out of it. For me, it was a mildly enjoyable listen rather than a standout.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Kay’s back with another hilarious autobiography that combines tales from past and present in the form of a dairy! His narration is hilarious and I couldn’t literally listen to him read the phone book. I recently saw Peter live on tour and I really enjoyed it, I really hope there’s more books from him to come!

[Abbie Marrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could listen to him tell stories all day! Such a light-hearted, fun take on the year, relatable and honest. I had to take a star off due to some of his stories being repeated, if you saw him on his most recent tour, like myself, some of the anecdotes will be familiar. Overall though, such a nice audiobook !! 🎧

[Dan Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable as always! Several recycled stories we have heard from Peter before, but enough new ones to keep you entertained - the audiobook version would be preferable as hearing Kay himself regale us with these tales will never lose it's charm.

[Becci Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funniest man to have ever lived

[Kris Eagling · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Peter Kay fan, I was thrilled when I spotted this release and managed to snag it for 99p on a daily deal. I’m glad I only paid 99p though because this book feels like a rehash of his tour and his previous book. There’s hardly any new material; if you’ve seen his stand-ups or read his last book, you’ll have heard it all before. There are a few funny moments, but overall it’s a light read. Honestly, I wish I hadn’t bothered with it now!

[Adrian Reaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with plenty of Peter Kay’s humour. Heartwarming and inspiring at times as he talks about the troubles in Ireland in the 90’s and 911.

[Janet Linacre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely fun read, with lots of laugh out loud bits. Loved the Northern chat and reminiscing about childhood years.

[Delyth Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did this as an audio book - absolutely hilarious

[John Poulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one and read it pretty quickly. Plenty of funny bits, as you'd expect. It isn't a diary as such. He uses the months of the year as pegs to hang reminiscences on to. The timeline is all over the place as memories come back to him. You can almost see him writing it, in fact, it gets funnier around April as he gets into his stride and seems to enjoy writing more.

[Damian Steventon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you've been reading (or listening to) a great book when you're absolutely gutted that it ended. This book reminded me of why Peter Kay will ALWAYS be my favourite comedian. Wish I could rate this book higher than 5 stars!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook 🎧

Unsurprisingly funny - I adore Peter Kay! It did include a few of his jokes from his stand up tours, but regardless, I did belly laugh quite a few times listening to this.

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A good cuppa tea can solve most problems, and if it can't, you've probably got bigger issues than a biscuit can fix".

Peter Kay is one of the UK's top comedians 🎤 and he's absolutely hilarious. In my opinion, he's one of the best at observational comedy 😂 in the business. I was lucky enough to see him on tour earlier this year, which was fantastic, and because I adore his Yorkshire accent 😍, I wanted to listen to his new autobiography so I could linger in those dulcet tones.

In this one, each chapter focuses on a month of the year 📅 — from January through to December. Peter picks a memory or two for each month and captivates the listener as he shares his humorous take on whatever he's talking about, whether it's summer holidays ☀️, Valentine's Day ❤️, or Christmas 🎄. In his own inimitable way, Peter draws you into his world and makes you feel as though you were right there with him.

Never do I laugh so hard as when I'm watching Peter Kay on tour, on TV, or listening to one of his books 🤣 — and this was no exception. I could listen over and over again 🔁, no matter how many times I've heard the stories.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this one and honestly just obsessed with the way he pronounces birthday

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much anticipated book from the Bolton comedian who & probably only in my mind, dipped his toes into an Agatha Christie style mystery vanishing that has never been discussed. A brilliant diarised year in his chaotic brain that I’m sure would miss so much in the printed word. I found myself chuckling along to random memories of childhood shenanigans but wondering if the missing time might be touched upon.
My very slight disappointment that this doesn’t happen was countered by lots of shared stories about growing up in the north and being of similar age, discovering those similarities in music, t.v. Shows and the easy “freedom” of growing up in the seventies and eighties. I had the privilege of seeing Peter in the stage production of The Producers and hearing his pride of being allowed to be himself within the role was heartwarming.
I’m guessing each book may be varying stages of a career in comedy without following the typical timeline and for that it proposes a joyous few hours with a fantastic mind. It’s also a very clever way of dipping in and out of parts of his life without getting too personally involved or learning too much about him. Humour is the best defence and attack and Peter Kay has learnt his trade beautifully.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me and had been added to my wish list ahead of realise. I love Peter Kay’s relavent and tongue in cheek humour!!

It didn’t make me laugh as much as his stand up but there were points where I was laughing out loud and still tittering away several moments later 🤣 it has that classic Peter Kay humour and witty to incidents most of us will have experienced at one time or another! Since Peter grew up in the same era as myself it was very relatable when he went back to childhood.

I was keen on the church parts as for me they dragged, I’m not a church person so find it boring. October, November and December were my favourite chapters and the funniest parts of the book for me! Would absolutely recommend if you want a light hearted tongue in cheek story to lift you up and give you a giggle!

[Lauren pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no denying Peter Kay is funny, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve watched he’d phoenix nights and car-share and this book had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and that familiar voice fans will instantly recognise.
Told month by month, it’s packed with everyday observations, nostalgia and classic Kay humour in a really easy to read package.

That said, as a long-time fan, it did feel quite repetitive at times, with some jokes and anecdotes that felt very familiar. The narrative goes off on lots of tangents making it feel a little disjointed in places, rather than flowing as a full narrative.

Still, it’s an easy, comforting read and perfect for dipping in and out when you want something light and amusing.

A solid 4 stars.

[Amber Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on my runs and honestly i laughed out load sooo many times. There were so many times where I genuinely believed I had the same childhood as peter kay - from the trips to malta to rola cola. The chapters of the book are separated into months which perfectly encapsulates the main monthly events and the memories he has attached to it. I particularly liked his stories from his school days as he went to a catholic school with nuns - sister sledge etc. He also perfectly shares some of the stories now he has kids of his own and how he wants to improve their lives. He explains his relationship with Paddy Mcguinness and of course the famous 'garlic bread' line. Overall a fab book to start the year on 4/5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic nostalgia

First of all reading alongside the audio is best because it is narrated by Peter Kay himself and enhances the experience to hear him emphasise and laugh at several memories and just generally relaxed while reading. Also I noticed the audio and book are not quite identical with little bits added. Nothing major though.
I think some of Peter Kay's material probably reflects better if you are from the North West UK and in particular around during the 80s. As I am from the North West UK I felt I could relate and recall several things. It was like a trip down memory lane.

[Debbie Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Kay’s The Diary is a genuinely heartwarming and laugh-out-loud read that perfectly captures the humour in everyday life. His observations are simple yet incredibly relatable, turning ordinary moments into something hilarious and nostalgic.
The December chapter was a real highlight for me—it felt especially authentic and brought back so many familiar experiences. Kay has a brilliant way of tapping into shared memories, making you smile one moment and burst out laughing the next.
Overall, it’s a joyful, easy read that leaves you feeling uplifted and reminded of the humour in life’s little details

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this as my 19th Birthday present. Was a pleasant surprise. I walked past the book section in Tesco and pointed it to Mum saying “look it’s the man that Nan used to watch on the VHS, starring as Bridget Jones!”. Next day, I got a birthday present from her, she’d only gone and bought it.

That being said, I’ve never watched anything Peter Kay or read one of his books. Of course I know he’s a well respected comedian, but that’s about it. After reading this, I’ve got to say that I’m now a big fan of his work.

It’s nice to hear about the world before I was born as well, and how things have changed. Love everything from: the first love horror stories to the not so honourable mentions of Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone really. Good laugh

[John Hague · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was humorous in bits, never laugh out loud but some chuckle bits. Improved the more you read. Disappointed that some bits were straight from his stand-up script.

Enjoyed the more thoughtful elements, he has had strong attitudes all his life and has stuck to them. He’s very much a child in a man’s body; something I applaud as a means of enjoying life, getting excited about life when appropriate.

Overall, slightly disappointing in bits, especially the first half of the book. Worth a read, but don’t expect a laugh every page!!

Haves

[Tomos Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny but not much new content. Some good new gags from Peter Kay in the book and I enjoyed the way the content was laid out following a year in his life.
There are lots of new jokes and funny stories, but quite a lot of repetition of previous stand up content which is a little disappointing. Quite a few odd references to Jimmy Saville which was a little strange?!
A good read but needed less repeated gags!

[Malcolm Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Kay is one of my favourite comedians and I was given this book as a present.

There are lots of amusing stories and anecdotes that kept me smiling but personally, I feel it's "the way he tells them" that really make me laugh.

So, a good read, (there wasn't a "Book" available to choose, hence the Kindle category), but not as good as the real thing!

[R.S. Russo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to a couple of hours of Peter Kay’s diary on audiobook before giving up. I found myself eye rolling at jokes I’d heard before, with a very “dad joke” feel that just wasn’t for me. While I appreciate his TV shows and hoped I’d enjoy the book, I’ve never been a fan of his stand-up, and sadly this didn’t change my mind.

[Stacey Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Peter Kay’s funny memories and observations on daily life and events. Certainly spent lots of pages smiling and chuckling but he also touched on more serious matters.

I have read all his books and yes there are some overlaps in jokes and humour, but it certainly did not take away from the enjoyment of this book.

[Demi Cramb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the structure of the book being laid out into months. I found the book very nostalgic although some parts I was too young and fitted more with my parents youth. Some jokes I have heard Peter Kay say before but it didn't stop me from laughing out loud. I do enjoy an audiobook that can have me laughing away in public like a mad woman.

[Callum Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this an audiobook which is the perfect way to consume it, due to Peters brilliant comedic ability. Structuring the book as a diary where he tells some of his favourite memories from each month of the year, it’s a nice bit of lighthearted fun.

[Ann Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud stories from his life told in the months of a year. It's not a chronological memoir in relation to age but instead stories from his life relating to different periods of the year. Good laugh and would recommend to fans of Peter Kay.