John Bishop was born in 1950 and has always lived in Colwall, Herefordshire, in the foothills of the Malverns.
He is a farmer, as his father was before him, but he still finds odd moments to restore vintage lorries. He is involved with a number of charities and supports local breweries. He is regularly consulted by local TV, radio and the press on rural matters.

He is a direct descendant of the eponymous ‘Stinking Bishop’ of cheese fame, but declines to be more specific.