Social media star John Fisher, known as 'Big John', has revealed on Good Morning Britain that he 'found solace in food' after his father's death, explaining the grief behind his weight gain. The dad of boxer Johnny Fisher, who went viral for his love of Chinese takeaways and his catchphrase "Bosh!", appeared on the show today to discuss the family's new documentary series on Paramount+.
Heartbreaking admission on Good Morning Britain
Host Kate Garraway addressed John's jokes about his takeaway obsession, noting that there was something serious underneath his weight gain. She asked him to tell viewers about the loss of his father.
John replied: "Listen, I'm still a big man now but I used to be a fit man. I used to box as an amateur and play football at a high level, but I was always fit when I was a young man. When my dad passed away, I found solace in eating."
He added: "The only time we had a lot of stress with work and money, and when your dad is no longer there- someone you've worked with all your life and is your confidant- when he's no longer there, I found solace in food."
Weight loss journey with Eddie Hall
John said: "It's not an excuse, but it's a reason why I put so much weight on. The thing is, you don't realise you're putting the weight on as well, you still think you're the same person but you're not."
He continued: "I've lost about 7 stone now with the help of Eddie Hall, you see it on the series. It's taken about a year, but Eddie Hall, you see it on the show, he said to me, 'John, if you don't lose weight in two years, you'll be dead'. I'm still overweight; I've got a long way to go, but I was a lot bigger."
Fan support and family tribute
Support poured in from fans, with one writing on social media: "After you mentioned your loss of father... my sincere condolences, John … look at you now in a different light." Another said: "Was great to see big John on TV, lovely guy and great family he has to. Bosh", as a third added: "Good to see big John losing stones."
In the documentary, John tells cameras: "The weight came on mainly when my dad passed. I used to eat out of grief." His wife Charlotte was seen in tears, adding: "He was a lovely man and... no, I'm not going to start crying.... it was tough."
John added: "I miss him every day, every day we talk about him. He was a larger-than-life character, just an unbelievable man. My dad was the best man anyone could wish for, and if I'm half the dad he would ever be, I've done a good job." Big John's Bosh Family can be streamed on Paramount+.
