John Bishop has shared “heartbreaking” news with his fans as he mourns the death of his beloved pet pig.
The 56-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to sadly announce that his family’s pet pig Milo had died.
Paying tribute to the “heartbeat of our animal family”, John described his pain over losing his “friend”, and said Milo had been with them for more than 10 years after his wife Melanie adopted him while John was on tour.
“Today we lost a friend. Milo was the first rescue animal @melbish1 adopted when I returned home from a tour to find him in the garden. Since then he has been the heartbeat of our animal family,” the Doctor Who star wrote.
John shared a video of him cuddling and petting Milo in their garden, along with photos of the beloved pig enjoying life at their home in west Sussex.
“I am so grateful that @melbish1 captured me sat with him last weekend, something I would often do until he would get bored of me and move away,” the funnyman continued.
John confessed the thought of going into the garden and not seeing Milo again was unbearable.
“He has lived with us for over a decade and wandered wherever he wanted,” he added. “He had a special relationship with Mel’s mum and a unique bond with Mel. I never ever thought we would have a pig as a pet and I never knew how much I would miss him knowing he won’t be there when I go into the garden,”
“Like all pets he gave so much more than he took. Goodnight Milo - I am going to miss our chats,” the star sadly concluded.
He was inundated with supportive messages from fans and friends, including fellow comedian Paddy McGuinness, who sweetly recalled his three children - Penelope, Felicity and Leo - meeting Milo.
“Gutted to hear that pal. My kids loved meeting him. Proper character,” the Take Me Out host wrote.
While John’s wife Mel commented: “Always my little wandering Prince.”
“Animals are such an important part of a family. RIP Milo,” one fan wrote, as another agreed: “It’s the worst feeling losing a beloved pet, they are family and bring so much to our lives.”
“He was one lucky boy John. He had a life that most pigs never get. Sleep tight Milo,” one follower commented.
While another fan remembered the sweet posts John would share about life with Milo.
“I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved the posts about him. His fear of the tiles, the love of choccie biscuits and the occasional diva strop. Sleep easy Milo, you will be missed,” they wrote.
