British Food Influencer ‘Big John’ Detained in Australia After Visa Dispute
Social media star held and deported over working on tourist visa despite scheduled Australian appearances
John “Big John” Fisher, a British influencer known for his viral fast food reviews and trademark exclamation “bosh,” was detained by Australian authorities shortly after arriving in Western Australia for a planned tour.
He was held for four hours and then escorted to a detention hotel before being deported to London, citing a visa that did not permit commercial activities.
Fisher told social media followers that although his visa was “legit,” border officials challenged the nature of his visit, asserting the visa would not allow him to work or profit from appearances.
The influencer said he offered to cancel his meet-and-greet events and stay purely as a tourist, but was nevertheless deported.
He described the experience as one of the worst of his life, saying his personal belongings were confiscated and he was treated like a criminal.
Originally arriving in Perth, Fisher had intended to make appearances in Sydney and Perth, including a “Bucking Bull” challenge and a DJ set.
He said he would spend his 52nd birthday in detention before returning to the UK.
His son, professional boxer Johnny Fisher, confirmed the deportation and wryly suggested that Australian officials were intimidated by his father’s “express pace bowling” ahead of the Ashes series.
Australian Border Force declined to comment on individual cases for privacy reasons.
Media coverage indicates that authorities deemed Fisher’s activities to exceed what his visa permitted.
While he has previously visited Australia without incident, this detainment has strained his relationship with Australian fans and disrupted a highly anticipated tour.
Fisher maintains a strong online following—over 600,000 Instagram followers and around half a million on TikTok—where he shares exuberant reviews of large takeaway meals and concludes each video with “bosh”.
He expressed gratitude for fan offers of support during his detention but asked they donate food to local banks instead.
He has vowed to return to Australia properly equipped with the correct visa.
He was held for four hours and then escorted to a detention hotel before being deported to London, citing a visa that did not permit commercial activities.
Fisher told social media followers that although his visa was “legit,” border officials challenged the nature of his visit, asserting the visa would not allow him to work or profit from appearances.
The influencer said he offered to cancel his meet-and-greet events and stay purely as a tourist, but was nevertheless deported.
He described the experience as one of the worst of his life, saying his personal belongings were confiscated and he was treated like a criminal.
Originally arriving in Perth, Fisher had intended to make appearances in Sydney and Perth, including a “Bucking Bull” challenge and a DJ set.
He said he would spend his 52nd birthday in detention before returning to the UK.
His son, professional boxer Johnny Fisher, confirmed the deportation and wryly suggested that Australian officials were intimidated by his father’s “express pace bowling” ahead of the Ashes series.
Australian Border Force declined to comment on individual cases for privacy reasons.
Media coverage indicates that authorities deemed Fisher’s activities to exceed what his visa permitted.
While he has previously visited Australia without incident, this detainment has strained his relationship with Australian fans and disrupted a highly anticipated tour.
Fisher maintains a strong online following—over 600,000 Instagram followers and around half a million on TikTok—where he shares exuberant reviews of large takeaway meals and concludes each video with “bosh”.
He expressed gratitude for fan offers of support during his detention but asked they donate food to local banks instead.
He has vowed to return to Australia properly equipped with the correct visa.
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