John Bishop defends visiting his parents during lockdown after 'judgement' from 'the ill-informed'

Comedian John Bishop has defended visiting his parents during the coronavirus pandemic after questions were raised by "ill informed" followers when he shared a photo of himself outside their house.

The 53-year-old explained that he was on his way to his father-in-law's funeral and dropped something off for his mother and father, noting he "followed all the guidelines" when it came to social distancing.

On Wednesday, he re-shared the photo to his Instagram alongside a lengthy message that read: "I am reposting this picture of a visit to my mum and dad today. Some people questioned why I was there and not at home. I have travelled to attend my father in laws funeral tomorrow. I came to drop something off at my parents having not been near them during this lockdown as my sister has done all the deliveries.

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"I have followed all the guidelines and obviously I would not break any rules that would affect the NHS or frontline workers."

Bishop, who has been married to wife Melanie since 1993, said attendance limits would also be adhered to at the burial of his father-in-law whom he described as "one of the best men I have ever known".

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The father-of-three added: "I understand social media allows people a window into your life and I do not overdo it because a moment of joy like this can easily be turned into a moment of judgement from the ill informed.

"However I am reposting it because for me it illustrates what this country is all about - love and family - which even in the worst of times holds us together even if those that we love are out of reach."

Bishop is one of a number of celebs who’ve had their actions criticised during in the coronavirus pandemic.

Presenter Kirstie Allsopp was also forced to defend herself as she was accused of moving her family to a second home in Devon after her husband fell ill with the virus.

However, she told Yahoo UK that her permanent base was in Devon and that it was not a holiday home.