John Bishop Reflects on the Joke That Reunited Him with His Wife

 

Comedian John Bishop recently shared the heartwarming story of how a joke saved his marriage to Melanie Bishop, with whom he had been in the midst of a divorce.

At 57, Bishop recounted how an offhand joke about missing his wife on stage ultimately reignited their relationship after an 18-month separation. The moment occurred during his early days in comedy, when he first took the mic at Manchester’s Frog and Bucket at the age of 33. Seeking to uplift his spirits after his split from Melanie, Bishop performed at the venue, avoiding the £4 entry fee by entertaining the audience.

It was during one of those performances that he made a darkly humorous quip about missing his ex-wife so much that he had her "severed head in the fridge." He later recalled realizing that the "head" he referenced in the joke was actually present in the audience. At the time, the couple was at the decree nisi stage of their divorce, with only financial matters left to finalize.

"I remember thinking, 'That joke’s going to cost me another £20,000,'" Bishop said, anticipating a confrontation after the show. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised when Melanie approached him at the bar, leading to a conversation that would change their course. The couple decided to seek counseling and eventually reconciled, welcoming three sons together: Joe, Luke, and Daniel.

Now, over 30 years later, John Bishop continues to incorporate Melanie into his stand-up routines and credits her with encouraging him not to quit comedy two years ago. This anecdote serves as a testament to the resilience of their relationship, showcasing how laughter can bridge even the widest divides.