Comedian John Bishop has canceled several upcoming performances after suffering a broken ankle during a motorbike ride with astronaut Tim Peake.
Comedian John Bishop has announced the cancellation of several upcoming performances following a broken ankle sustained during a motorbike ride with astronaut Tim Peake. The injury occurred on August 30, and Bishop later shared an update on social media, revealing that his foot had become swollen and bruised.
Bishop was scheduled to perform at the Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton on September 11, alongside fellow comedians Justin Moorhouse and Sally-Anne Hayward. However, he has now withdrawn from this event, as well as from Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 charity bike ride in Glasgow.
In a statement about the accident, Bishop humorously noted, “I went out for a motorbike ride with Tim Peake, who’s a brilliant lad and a great cyclist. I learnt a lesson today. Astronauts are better motorcyclists than comedians.” He mentioned that he would be consulting a specialist over the weekend for a clearer understanding of his recovery process.
Jamie Cox, the chief executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, confirmed that ticket holders for the Taunton show would receive full refunds. “Obviously, it’s disappointing to be making this announcement, but John’s wellbeing has to be the main concern, and he must follow the medical advice he has been given,” Cox stated. “We apologise for any disappointment caused by these circumstances, which are entirely beyond our control. We would like to wish John a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on stage again very soon.”
John Bishop, born on November 30, 1966, is a prominent English comedian, presenter, and actor, recognized for his distinctive Liverpool accent and observational humor. Before embarking on his comedy career, Bishop worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative, a profession he left in 2006 as his stand-up career began to flourish.
Bishop’s journey into comedy began relatively late; he started performing stand-up at the age of 34. Despite this late start, he quickly rose to prominence in the UK comedy scene, transitioning from small comedy clubs to larger venues and arena tours, making stand-up a cornerstone of his public persona.
Before his comedy career took off, Bishop was also involved in football, playing as a midfielder at a semi-professional level with clubs such as Southport and Hyde United.
In addition to stand-up, Bishop has made a name for himself on British television. He hosted “The John Bishop Show” and appeared in various scripted projects, including “Skins” and the BBC drama “Accused.” One of his most notable acting roles was as Dan Lewis in the long-running science fiction series “Doctor Who,” where he appeared from 2021 to 2022.
Bishop is also known for his charitable efforts. In 2012, he undertook a challenging Sport Relief task, traveling from Paris to London through cycling, rowing, and running, which raised approximately £4.2 million for the charity. He has continued to participate in various sporting events for charitable causes, including the now-canceled Tour de 4 due to his recent injury.
John Bishop is married to Melanie Cornall, with whom he tied the knot in 1993. The couple has three sons: Joe, Luke, and Daniel. Their marriage story is quite remarkable; after separating in 2000 and spending 18 months apart, Bishop unexpectedly encountered Melanie at a comedy club where he was performing. During his set, he made a dark joke about their separation, which led to a reconnection between them. They later sought marriage counseling and ultimately decided to reconcile.
As Bishop focuses on his recovery, fans and fellow performers alike are wishing him a swift return to the stage. According to The Sunday Guardian, his comedic talent and engaging personality have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.