I’m not trying to be James
Comedy superstar John Bishop brings us his love of stand-up with a side order of chat as he presents a brand new Saturday night show.
Following in the footsteps of fellow Brit James Corden, The John Bishop Show features the Liverpudlian legend shoot the breeze with a roster of celebrity guests.
John said: “I admire what James has done in America. But I don’t feel like I have to emulate anybody. I’m also not worried about it. All I’m trying to do is keep the entertainment going a little longer on a Saturday for the mums and dads, so they can have a laugh after the kids have gone to bed.”
We asked him all about his new show:
Tell us about it...
It was meant to happen before the first lockdown, now it’s completely changed format. It’s closer to the American model where it’s shot on the day it goes out, it’s topical and lighthearted.
How does it compare to stand-up?
It’s as close to doing a stand-up gig as I’ve ever had in a telly show. There’s no chance to correct anything that goes wrong.
Can you reveal the guest list?
I don’t want to nail anyone’s name to it. Their postman might test positive after playing hockey with their next door neighbour’s dog and then they can’t appear. What I will say is that the people we’ve got lined up will engage viewers.
What do you look for in guests?
I want people to be up for anything. I’d rather have a lesser-known guest who contributes more, than have a great name who doesn’t get involved.
Who would be your dream guest?
James Nesbitt.
You’ve been a guest on many chat shows. What have you learned?
The worst thing about being a guest is the research phone call you get before the show. They interview you before they interview you. I get it, but I want whoever comes on to feel they are in a safe space. Like when you go to a pub and meet someone new. I want it to be as if I’m sitting with a couple of friends in a pub on Saturday night and we’re talking about what’s in front of us, not trying to dig out other stuff.