British social media star ‘Big John’ Fisher has been detained in Australia and is set to be deported back to the UK after authorities raised concerns over his visa status. The incident has led to the cancellation of his planned tour events in Perth and Sydney, disappointing fans who were eager to see the viral food reviewer.
Fisher, whose real name is John Fisher, arrived in Western Australia on Tuesday ahead of a series of appearances. However, upon arrival, he was questioned by Australian Border Force officials for approximately four hours. Despite asserting that his visa was “legit,” authorities were dissatisfied because he intended to work during his visit, which may have violated the terms of his entry permit.
The specific issue appears to be that Fisher entered Australia on an incorrect type of visa. A spokesperson for the Australian Border Force declined to comment on individual cases, citing privacy regulations. Fisher expressed his frustration on social media, stating he was “absolutely gutted” and apologizing to his fans in Perth and Sydney for the cancelled events.
In a poignant twist, Fisher is spending his 52nd birthday in a detention hotel while awaiting deportation. He posted on Instagram that he remains positive, writing, “I’m still smiling and I still love Australia,” and signed off with his trademark catchphrase “bosh.” He also mentioned that well-wishers had offered to bring him food, but he was unable to accept it due to detention rules, suggesting they donate to a food bank instead.
Fisher’s son, Johnny Fisher, a British heavyweight boxer, confirmed the deportation on his own social media account, humorously suggesting that Australian authorities might be wary of his father’s cricket skills ahead of the Ashes series. The family’s lighthearted response has drawn attention to the human side of the incident.
The detained influencer was scheduled to host several events, including a “Bucking Bull” challenge at a greyhound race in Sydney and a DJ set at a horse racing meet in Perth. With nearly 700,000 Instagram followers and half a million on TikTok, Fisher’s abrupt departure has sparked discussions about visa compliance for social media influencers traveling internationally.
Fisher is known for his enthusiastic food reviews, often featuring Chinese takeaway and ending with the exclamation “bosh.” He recently gained media attention for supporting a vandalized Chinese restaurant in York, showcasing his influence beyond mere entertainment. This incident highlights the complexities influencers face when blending personal travel with professional activities abroad.
As Fisher prepares to return to the UK, the case serves as a reminder for travelers to ensure their visas align with their intended activities. While he hopes to revisit Australia in the future, this experience underscores the importance of adhering to immigration laws, even for popular figures.