John Bishop (I)

John Bishop: 'I'm happier than I've ever been

John Bishop is now the world's ninth highest-earning comedian and has his own chat show- but 10 years ago he was miserable and working for a pharmaceutical company.

Comics with spectacular ha-ha homes

There are turrets and timbers, thatched roofs, private moorings and even an island. One home even has a secret garage, another boasts a 400-year-old walled garden. Yes, the titans of the comedy world have done rather nicely out of making people laugh.

Why do some comics make it big and not others?

There are all sorts of comedians I thought would make it but for some reason or other didn't. I tipped Marc Wootton for stardom in the Evening Standard so often it started to become embarrassing. People probably thought we must be related. I also think Boothby Graffoe could have been a mainstream star. Even Addy Van Der Borgh could have been a Saturday night shiny-floored clown. But for some reason none of these people made it as big as I expected. There is still time I guess. Maybe not enough time to get to the O2 this Friday, but there is always next year.

Seizing the "Beeb does variety shtick" baton from John Bishop, McIntyre launches his latest well-meaning if MOR venture, filmed at the Theatre Royal in London. This week Geri Horner (formerly Halliwell) falls victim to the Send To All treatment, with the host embarking on the brand of text-based trolling that will be familiar from his chat show. There's also acrobatics, a performance from Tinie Tempah and an unsuspecting civilian is given the chance to duet with Michael Ball.

Pics: James Corden and John Bishop watch football

West Ham United supporter James Corden gleefully gloats in front of pal John Bishop after watching his club defeat Scouse comedian's beloved Liverpool FC.

A nice-seeming sort of bloke, does work for charity - John Bishop epitomises the Live at the Apollo school of comedian and Christmas TV favourite. Yet, while his act - observational material about family life, male archetypes and so on - is pretty cosy stuff, there's a bite to his delivery that could cause a certain amount of discomfort on the sofa. This third variety/comedy festive show features comic support from Sarah Millican and Danny Bhoy, comic songs from Andy Askins - and a duet between Bishop and Kylie Minogue.