Peter Kay’s leading tribute act dies as family issues heartbreaking statement over ‘massive shock’
Simon Mark, a comedy performer famous for his work as a tribute act to comedian Peter Kay, has died.
Tributes from fans and fellow performers from the comedy world have poured in after his death was announced via his Facebook page.
A statement published on Wednesday afternoon read: “It is with heavy heart that last night Simon fell asleep and didn’t wake up!
“We all know how loved he was by all, and the fantastic memories we all had with him.
“I know this is a massive shock to everyone and he will be deeply missed.
“At this moment in time we don’t know how, what happened or why,” the statement continued. “Fly high Si. We love you!”
Mark’s work as a Kay tribute act saw him tour across the UK and Europe, cementing himself as one of the most popular impersonators of the Bolton-born comic.
The performer had gigs scheduled all the way to December 2025 and was set to kick off the March leg of his tour in Bishopthorpe next month.
Reacting to the news, fellow singer and performer Marc Bolton replied: “I feel sick reading this.
“We only spoke the other day… sending sincere heartfelt condolences to Stacey and all Simon’s family and here’s the the wonderful memories we made last year on tour. God bless my brother.”
Singer and ITV Benidorm star Asa Elliott added: “So sorry to hear this. Sending all my thoughts to the family.”
Musician Zara Birch also commented: “Omg I’m in shock! Sleep in peace lovely xxx.” (sic)
Comedian Kay found himself hitting headlines this week when he had “no choice” but to kick out a handful of hecklers from his Manchester gig.
In a statement on Instagram, Kay defended his decision to have the hecklers removed, writing: “At the show on Saturday night, February 8th, in Manchester, I had two hecklers disrupting from the very start.
“I did my best to address the situation and made light of it, as any comedian would, but unfortunately, their interruptions continued.
“I tried to ignore them, hoping they’d settle down, but when the disruption persisted into the second half of the show, I asked the audience around them if they were being bothered by the noise.”
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Kay said the audience all shouted “yes”, and when he asked for a show of hands, about 40 people responded by raising theirs.
He also explained a joke he made after comparing one of the offending hecklers to Emmerdale star Lisa Riley.
“The lady who was escorted out did bear a striking resemblance to Lisa Riley, though I don’t see how that’s an insult,” he added.
“As a comedian, you never want to eject anyone, but when repeated disruptions make it impossible to continue, it’s important to consider the experience of the rest of the audience, who’ve paid to see a show without interruption.”