New project in the pipeline

John Bishop is piloting a new TV entertainment show that aims to celebrate various British cities.

The try-out show will focus on Manchester, with producers saying the comic will surprise members of the studio audience and people on the streets.

Researchers are seeking ‘the biggest characters’ who ‘love a challenge’ are are ‘up for a laugh’ to take part, as well as any ‘local heroes’.

The title of the show has not yet been revealed, not which broadcaster - if any - is attached.

Last week it was revealed that  the comic is about to present an ITV series, John Bishop In Ireland, mixing stand-up with travel footage.

And it has also been revealed today that he sold his seven-bedroom house in Cheshire to HS2 for £6.8 million – more than £4.5million above what he paid for it in 2013. It is the largest sum paid by HS2 for a domestic building to date.

Bishop had previously protested to the high-speed link, claiming that it will ‘devastate communities  and destroy unique wildlife habitats.’

Bishop’s spokesman told the Mail Online that he 'maintains his opposition to HS2’ but had to sell the home to them ‘as the proposed line had rendered it unsellable on the open market’.

Published: 7 Apr 2019