John Bishop is set to return to screens on Saturday evening with a brand new series of his hit comedy programme The John Bishop Show,
MORE: John Bishop looks completely different in throwback to early career
The show will see the comedian and Doctor Who star will perform more side-splitting stand-up routines and chats to guests from the worlds of film, TV, sport and music. But how much do you know about John and his family behind closed doors? Find out more about John's wife here…
WATCH: John Bishop's wife Melanie reveals her funny wedding anniversary tradition
John, 55, has been married to his wife Melanie for nearly 30 years. The couple tied the knot in 1993 and welcomed their eldest son, Joe, the following year. Another son, Luke, was born in 1996, followed by youngest Daniel in 1998, making them a family of five. Together, they live on a farm in rural Cheshire surrounded by their many pets.
MORE: John Bishop's wife shocks fans by wearing wedding dress on home farm
MORE: All you need to know about John Bishop's sons
However, things were not always idyllic as they are today. In 2000 the couple actually separated for a year and a half. Although they didn't divorce, the pair began living completely different lives, and it was during this time that John tried his hand at comedy.
In an interview with The Mirror, John, who was up until then working in pharmaceuticals, claimed he spontaneously decided to have a go at an open mic session in a local comedy club after finding that he was "spending my time feeling depressed or getting drunk" following the split.
© Photo: Getty ImagesJohn and Melanie wed in 1993 before temporarily separating in 2000
He discovered he was a natural at it, and it wasn't long before he was handed his first headline slot. And it turns out not only did comedy change John's whole career - but it saved his marriage too!
After being apart for more than a year, Melanie turned up to a comedy show in Manchester, not knowing that John was on the billing for the night. Recalling the reunion, John said that while he spent almost his entire act digging into their marriage, she saw the funny side of it. "We met up after the show and she said seeing me up there reminded her of me as I used to be. When I was a good laugh."
MORE: John Bishop sends social media into overdrive with rare photo of lookalike sons
They reconciled in the months following and haven't been apart since. Last year John paid a sweet tribute to his wife in honour of their 27th wedding anniversary. Taking to his Instagram, the 54-year-old shared a never-before-seen photo from their big day whilst revealing his wife's hilarious tradition.
© Photo: InstagramJohn and Melanie celebrated 27 years of marriage last June
"27 years ago today when the world was a different place I married @melbish1," he wrote. "Every year she gets into the wedding dress and spins in the garden and every year I get a little bit fatter and wonder where the years went.
"It's been a hell of a journey and I can't imagine I could have done with anyone else," the comedian added.
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