The 50 year-old from Derbyshire is being charged with fraud after allegedly calling himself ‘Danny Kay’ in order to promote a supposed comedy show. After receiving deposits from landlords for bookings, Stead is said to have taken the money without delivering a show.

Police have also claimed that Stead promised the shows would be charity nights to raise money for the Lewis Mighty Fund, set up to raise money for a young boy with cancer who passed away last year.

The charges date from four years ago, with an initial investigation launched in 2009 following complaints from conned landlords. The fraud charges come after a police search for Stead, with public appeals having been issued last month.

Peter Kay is one of Britain’s most popular comedians, and recently premiered his new BBC sitcom Car Share.