heat chats to funny man John Bishop about his new sporty entertainment show
So, how did you get involved in this new show?
My agent told me Amazon wanted to do a programme about football, and the concept was for an entertainment show based around the Premier League. Then they told me Gabby [Logan] and Peter [Crouch] would be doing it, and I know and like both of them. Also, it’s being filmed on a Monday night, which is the night I don’t do anything, so I knew I’d be free.
Why aren’t you busy?
Well, I don’t do any gigs on a Monday because no one laughs! So, when I set up my tour schedules, I always try to keep Mondays free. .
Have you worked out all the regular elements of the show or will you keep it freewheeling?
I think this is the kind of show that will be allowed to grow naturally. We’ve got this run of 20 shows to begin with, and what should happen is that show one is just the start. By show eight, we will have learned a lot, and by show 18, we’ll have learned even more. I don’t think we want to set anything in stone just yet.
Is there any element of this show that you are really excited about?
Genuinely, it’s working with Gabby and Peter, and having this chance to grow something and get it right. And just being involved in the biggest form of entertainment we have in this country, which is the Premier League, is a huge honour. There’s nothing else that gets as many eyeballs or as much passion involved in it and doing anything related to that is dead exciting.
Do you ever get star-struck when you meet footballers?
It depends who it is. The last time I was star-struck was when I met [Liverpool striker] Mo Salah. And the reason was because it was in The Ritz Hotel. I was meeting someone round the corner and I was early. I thought, “I’ll have a cup of tea at The Ritz. That’s how well I’ve done in my life!” But they wouldn’t let me in wearing trainers. I said, “You’re joking? It’s not like I’m a 15 year old with my jeans hanging off my arse. I’m a man in my fifties who happens to like soft footwear.” I said I was going to send a complaint letter to the manager, then I turned round and saw Mo. I yelled, “Mo! Mo! I’ve got to have a selfie with you!” I could sense the disgust of the guy on the door. n