John Bishop Thanks Military For Helping Liverpool With COVID Fight

Comedian John Bishop has extended his thanks to the military on behalf of Liverpool after service personnel helped support a mass coronavirus testing scheme in the city.

The entertainer, 54, reached out to Brigadier Joe Fossey, Commander of 8 Engineer Brigade, which led the city-wide pilot – who shared the video message on social media.

"I’ve had a message from the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram who wanted me to relay the thanks of all the people in Liverpool to you and your team, who have brought the testing to such a success in Liverpool and made a massive difference to the lives of people," Mr Bishop said in the video.

"For a change, we’ve been able to get out and do a little bit of what would be close to normal, and that’s because the Army’s come in and done what the Army does best – and made things happen."

About 2,000 personnel were deployed to the city in early November, helping to carry out 200,000 tests at almost 50 centres.

The personnel involved stayed in a holiday park in nearby Southport while carrying out the testing, helping to lower Liverpool's coronavirus infection rates drastically.

Last week, the Army regiments that helped were awarded with the Freedom of the City. 

Mr Bishop and Brig Fossey were both keen to mention the other units involved in the successful deployment, including the Royal Artillery, the Irish Guards and the Royal Logistics Corps.

The Yorkshire Regiment, which also helped to train civilians to carry out coronavirus testing, was also thanked.

Teasing Brig Fossey, the stand-up comedian explained that the military man "will never get away" from the city, after discovering the officer’s son now supports Liverpool FC.

Cover image: John Bishop in 2018 (Picture: PA).