STUDENTS from Runcorn were given the exclusive opportunity to travel down to London to meet comedian and TV star John Bishop and go behind the scenes of his popular talk show.

The comic, who was a former student at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy’s predecessor school, contacted the school to personally invite a group of budding media students down to VERSA studios to watch the filming and rehearsals of his Saturday night broadcast, The John Bishop Show.

Not only were pupils and staff from the academy able to sit in the audience whilst they watched the show being recorded, but they also had the surprise of being pulled up onto stage by John to meet his special guests for the episode.

The popular comedian from Liverpool greeted the pupils upon arrival and spoke to the individuals in detail about his career and experiences leading up to the present.

The show’s crew at So Television and Lola TV including producers, directors and the studio owner also gave the students a warm welcome and gave an exclusive insight into the roles they play in helping produce the show and everything in between that’s gets it onto air every Saturday night.

As part of the unique invitation, John offered the opportunity for students to film their own thought up TV show whilst on the set – with many students creating scripts and graphics the week prior to attending.

Media teacher at OBA, Abigail Fenner said how students were ‘excited’ to put their theory into practice whilst onset of the show.

“All the students were very nervous at first, but it was amazing to see them come out of their comfort zones.

“After a few takes it became more natural and the nerves wore off!

“The students that did not want to be on stage had the opportunity to work with the technical crew behind the scenes, using cameras, rigs, lights, sound, vision mixing and graphics.

“The studio sent over our TV shows and the students loved being able to watch how their vision came alive... with a few giggles at themselves as well!”

Both students from the academy and staff had the ‘amazing’ chance to watch John in the full official rehearsal and live recording of The John Bishop Show, before John surprised students by pulling the group up on stage to meet his special guests Aj Odudu, Stephen Mangan and Seann Walsh.

Mrs Fenner added: “Our sixth formers felt really honoured to be given all the opportunities they did throughout the day and have come away from the experience with a whole new perspective on Media and production.

“They have been able to see first-hand how they can succeed within the media sector, and some are now even thinking about changing university courses or careers paths as a result.

“Mr Fenner (Head of Sixth Form at OBA) and I were extremely proud of all the students and how they conducted themselves throughout the whole day.

“As an academy, we cannot thank John, Shanna and the whole team enough for being so accommodating and organising an amazing trip. The day was truly inspiring to be a part of.”