British social media star detained in Australia over visa
British social media star ‘Big John’ Fisher, known for his viral fast food reviews, was detained in Australia due to visa issues.
Fisher, famous for his love of Chinese takeaways and his distinctive catchphrase “bosh”, arrived in Western Australia on Tuesday ahead of a tour of the country.
But in social media posts he said he would have to cancel planned shows in Perth and Sydney because he would be deported to London.
Fisher said he was questioned by border officials for four hours and that although his visa was “legal”, Australian officials were “not happy” that he would be working during his visit.
“I’ll explain more when I get home, but I’m absolutely gutted,” he said.
“I’m sorry Perth, I’m sorry Sydney.”
An Australian Border Force spokesman said he could not comment on individual cases due to privacy issues.
In a post Wednesday morning local time, Fisher complained about his treatment by authorities and said he spent his 52nd birthday in a detention hotel awaiting deportation.
“I still smile and I still love Australia,” he wrote, before signing off with his famous catchphrase “bosh”, which is often used as an enthusiastic exclamation in British slang.
Fisher’s son, British heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, confirmed the personality would be sent home in a post on Instagram.
“Rumours were they were afraid of him bowling fast ahead of the Ashes,” he said.
It is understood Fisher entered Australia on the wrong visa.
Fisher, who previously visited Australia to meet fans, was scheduled to take part in four events in the country this week. His schedule included hosting the “Bucking Bull” competition at a greyhound race in Sydney and a DJ set at a horse racing meet in Perth.
Fisher, who has nearly 700,000 followers on Instagram and half a million on TikTok, often films herself eating, almost always giving a quick review that she ends by saying “bosh.”
Fisher was recently interviewed on BBC’s Newsnight about a vandalized Chinese restaurant in York. She later visited the takeaway to show her support and posted a review of its food.
