Comedian-turned-chat-show-host-turned-panto-star John Bishop's guests this week include Sue Perkins and Mo Gilligan, alongside more talent and Bishop doing his topical, and often political, routines.
Londoner Mo Gilligan has become one of the most popular faces on television in recent years. He has gone from Instagram star to stand-up star to prime-time TV host, currently fronting the new game show That's My Jam. He has even been mentioned as a possible successor to James Corden on America's Late Late Show.
Sue Perkins is also someone who started out in comedy but has widened her portfolio in recent years. I remember seeing Perkins with her comedy partner Me Giedroyc at the Edinburgh Fringe in the late 1990s, but in the last few years Perkins has become just as well known for her travel documentaries as for her comedy. In fact she is probably better known for the things she does outside comedy these days.
Perkins is one of a number of comedians who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Johnny Vegas, who has the same agent, recently spoke about his diagnosis in his fifties – people are usually diagnosed when they are children. Other comics with ADHD include Angela Barnes, Josie Long and prankster Simon Brodkin. Perkins tweeted: "Once I had the diagnosis, suddenly everything made sense - to me and those who love me."
Joining them is stand-up comedian Tom Allen who is also a TV regular, currently hosting The Apprentice Your Fired! Allen lived with his parents for most of his adult life but has recently moved into his own home. His father died in 2021.
It has become par for the course for comedians to move into different areas, but I have to admit I didn't see John Bishop being a panto star. But you can currently catch him onstage in Mother Goose alongside theatrical living legend Ian McKellen. He plays Mother Goose's husband Vic. Funnily Sue Perkins' comedy partner Mel Giedroyc was also due to star in the major production but had to pull out. The show is touring this Spring. More details here.
The John Bishop Show, Saturday, January 14, 9.30pm, ITV1John Bishop picture: ITV1
