John Bishop (I)

Comedy gold: John Bishop's The Sunshine Tour

A self-deprecatingly ordinary bloke who found fame late in life, Bishop acts as a kind of audience ambassador to the big time.

Some might argue that November 30 is a little too early to air a TV review of 2012, but John Bishop disagrees. The Scouse funnyman will be kicking of a season of retrospectives with Big Year, looking at all the great and not-so-great stuff from the past 12 months.

In addition to joking about topics like the Diamond Jubilee and 50 Shades of Grey (we hope those two aren't linked somehow), Bishop will be mixing in some stand-up and sketches to create a show that'll make you ready to see the year out in style.

Taking a brave punt on nothing much of interest happening between now and the end of December, Merseyside mirthmaker John Bishop presents the first of two shows delving into the guts of 2012. From the diamond jubilee, London Olympics and Paralympics, to the gloom of continued economic woes and Yet Another Bloody Twilight Film, no event can expect to be spared Bishop's comedic spotlight. Although it's safe to assume that the comic potential of Fifty Shades will feature more heavily than anything too grim.

John Bishop: I never watched comedy before I did it

John Bishop talks to Metro about his move into the world of stand-up, his efforts for this year's Sport Relief and some unfortunate panto mishaps.

Q&A with John Bishop

The stand-up and TV star John Bishop, 45, talks about his dreams of playing football for Liverpool, getting his big break and being a family man and getting his marriage back on track.

John Bishop interview

"Joking about my marriage split got us back together... and launched my comedy career", says John Bishop.

John Bishop: Newcastle Stand is what a club should be

John Bishop has heaped praise on the Newcastle Stand today - as the comedy club celebrates its first birthday on Tyneside.

John Bishop - review

With this arena-touring show, he's grown into the caricature