Al Porter confirms return to showbusiness with series of gigs

Comic Al Porter has confirmed he is returning to showbusiness with a series of gigs.

The star, 29, disappeared from public life in 2017, after an allegation of sexual assault was made against him which was later withdrawn. Al – who always denied any wrongdoing in the case – was cleared in November 2019 after the allegation was dropped but the former showman never emerged back into public life.

But revealing to fans on Facebook, Al has announced he will do a series of gigs, marking his stage return. The former Blind Date host said: “A good few people have asked if I’m doing any gigs, I am!” He said he was “excited” to do some “short spots of new material” in The Laughter Lounge in Dublin, Citylimits in Cork, Roisin Dubh Comedy, The Hot Spot Music Club, Dalkey Comedy Club and Kavanaghs Pub in Portlaoise.

Read more: Al Porter plans to focus on loved ones and personal well-being after walking free from court

But the Tallaght man said he will be announcing more gigs in the future. It comes after Al did his first charity gig in his local to raise money for HOPE – Suicide Prevention Drop In Centre Tallaght – and shared his joy at returning to the stage earlier this month.

Captioning a post, he said: “I’m glad I could be a part of this – it was a great night, for a great cause. We raised money for HOPE – Suicide Prevention Drop In Centre Tallaght, who do fantastic work. Thank you to the organisers for asking me to be involved. It was a chance to be back doing what I love, telling jokes and cheering people up, and selling a rake of raffle tickets! Fair play to everyone involved, and especially to Mary Mc Loughlan and those at HOPE.”

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