Funnyman Kay to appear in pop video

Comedian Peter Kay is starring in a music video for the Tony Christie hit Is This The Way To Amarillo? Which he helped to revive.

The video which has been filmed for Red Nose Night Live ‘05 will also feature Keith Harris and Bernie Clifton as backing vocalists.

Funnyman Kay dressed as a nightclub singer will mime along to the 1971 classic in the video which will also include the singer himself.

The 31-year-old star helped bring the tune to a younger audience after it was used in his award-winning Channel Four show Phoenix Nights.

In a memorable scene bouncers Max and Paddy play the tune to a bus full of devout Muslim elders on the way to prayer, in the hope of encouraging a sing-along.

The Bolton-born comic regularly starts his stand-up routine by coming on miming to the song. His mother is a devoted Christie fan.

Kay said: “We had such a laugh during the filming of the special for Red Nose Night.

“I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Tony Christie, whose album the Definitive Collection is released tomorrow, said: “When Peter Kay and Comic Relief approached me about doing this I was thrilled and hope that it will help raise lots for such a great cause.”

The video, which was filmed last week, will be screened exclusively on BBC 1 on Friday.

The theme for this Red Nose day is “Big Hair and Beyond – changing the way you look for the day to transform someone else’s life forever.”

Comic Relief said 40% of the money raised through Red Nose Day donations will be allocated to UK projects with 60% going to projects in Africa.