HIS nan calls it FaceTube. And Peter Kay’s post on his Facebook site hours after a triumphant return to stand-up after seven years, pretty well summed up his feelings.

“Well, I’m speechless and if the rest of the tour is anything like last night then it’s going to be an unbelievable journey.

“Just like to thank everybody who came or is coming to the show, wouldn’t be possible without you (well, it would but I’d just be stood on my own).

“Atmosphere was brilliant and surprise appearance from the amazing Rick Astley went down a storm. Once again thank you!”

It’s true that the response from Tuesday evening’s audience at the Arena in Manchester was nothing short of adoration.

And the Bolton comedian did not disappoint the 11,000 strong crowd. He proved he is still the king of comedy.

His first show in his residency at the arena had the enthusiastic audience screaming for more and earned him a standing ovation.

There was an extra surprise when Newton-le-Willows crooner Rick Astley bounded on stage as Peter’s official warm-up act, performing a half hour set with a mix of old and new songs and a surreal medley of Manchester favourites by Oasis, The Smiths, The Happy Mondays and New Order.

His appearance was such a closely guarded secret that, according to Peter, “even his sister didn’t know he was going to be at the arena. She does now though — she’s coming tomorrow night,” he added).

Rick had the enthusiastic crowd rocking in their seats and primed for a succession of Mexican Waves in the interval. After a slight delay with a technical hitch (“a fuse blew backstage,” Peter informed the audience), the 36-year-old was back in full flight as if he had never given stand-up a rest.

Just a few minutes in and it was clear he still has the magic that has made him one of the most popular and successful British comedians of all time. And there can be no accusations that his material needs freshening up — this was all new stuff, delivered better than ever and with a confidence that only those with the right mix of natural talent and months of practice behind them can muster.

The subjects were, however, familiar, which is of course the key to Peter's success . . . it’s all stuff most of us can relate to.

So the wonder of Sky Plus was explored (“How good is the x30 fastforward speed? I haven’t watched an advert for four years”), as was his dislike of a variety of programmes (“I was invited to be on Celebrity Come Dine With Me, but didn’t like the idea of Brian Blessed and H from Steps rooting through my cupboards”) and, as ever, his beloved nan’s knack of getting her words mixed up (“She said she thought that new film that won the Oscars looked good. You know, Abbatoir”).

In the end, despite a brilliantly conceived finale that was truly gob-smacking, but will not be revealed here so as not to spoil it for the thousands yet to see it, the show was all about one man and his connection with the audience.

And it was clear from the response that the feeling of love was mutual.

So, Peter is back on nights and it is clear that this tour will be as successful as ever.

What did you think of the show? Add your comments below.