John Bishop wanted to help write film based on his life but had to step away

By Jenny Garnsworthy, Press Association

Comedian John Bishop has said it is “really weird and strange” to have a Hollywood film made that is inspired by his own life.

Is This Thing On? was co-written and produced by Bradley Cooper and tells an Americanised version of Liverpudlian Bishop’s route to becoming a stand-up comic.

The film, which tells the story of Alex and Tess – characters based on Bishop and his wife, Melanie – is released in UK cinemas on Friday.

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Bishop said he thought the film was “brilliant”.

He told the BBC programme: “It’s really weird and strange. I wanted to be part of the writing process, but I was too close to the story, so I had to step away.

“I’m so glad I did. There was a big portion of trust involved, but the end result is brilliant. It really is a lovely film.”

Asked why he didn’t have a cameo in the film, he joked: “I was tempted but I wasn’t asked.

“I don’t think a film by Bradley Cooper is going to be made better by me being in it.”

Bishop said attending the premiere was a memorable event for his family.

He told Norton: “Everyone was getting a bit excited beforehand and the boys said to me, ‘Dad, do not be a knobhead. Everyone on red carpets looks cool so don’t smile like you’re a competition winner!’.

“They all got the cool memo, and there I was grinning ear to ear!”

Also appearing on the show were Hollywood stars Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth, who discussed their new crime thriller Crime 101.

Australian actor Hemsworth said he was “like a kid in a candy shop” as he got to do his own driving stunts in the film.

He also talked about reprising the role of Thor for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, he joked: “Thor is back, but what can I say without being removed from the movie?

“Every time I come back as Thor, I think, ‘Where can we go from here?’ But each time I have been blown away, and this one is no different. It’s ginormous!”

Berry said her character in Crime 101 “stands up for all women in middle life”.

She added: “She has a voice. I think that has been a long time coming.

“Many women who are down the path of life like I am will feel very happy to be seen.

“You hear about the horror stories that go on in the industry, but not at all here. I have never felt more seen, protected and stood up for as I did on this movie.”

Actress Rachel McAdams was also on Norton’s sofa, while singer Jessie Ware performed live in the studio.

The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 10.40pm on Friday.

Next week’s guests include Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Amanda Seyfried, Ryan Coogler, and Jacob Alon.