Gregor Fisher, the Scottish actor and comedian best known for playing the iconic Rab C. Nesbitt, has remained a fixture of British television for decades. In recent months, public attention has turned to his personal health journey and plans for a 2026 tour.
At 72, Fisher continues to perform despite a significant health scare. A February 2026 interview with the BBC revealed that the actor lost a considerable amount of weight after being diagnosed with diabetes. This development, combined with a forthcoming UK tour, has renewed interest in his long career and personal life.
Who is Gregor Fisher?
Gregor Fisher was born Gregor McKenzie on 22 December 1953 in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire. After his mother passed away, he was raised in Edinburgh, Langholm, and Neilston, and attended Barrhead High School. He is the actor behind one of Scotland’s most recognisable characters, Rab C. Nesbitt, which he played from 1988 to 2014.
Key insights
- Gregor Fisher’s weight loss was driven by a diabetes diagnosis, not cosmetic reasons
- He remains active at 72, planning a UK tour and Edinburgh Fringe appearance
- Financial estimates for net worth vary widely due to lack of public disclosures
- He lives in France with his wife but remains a beloved figure in Scottish comedy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gregor Fisher (born Gregor McKenzie) |
| Birthdate | 22 December 1953 |
| Birthplace | Scotland, UK |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian |
| Spouse | Vicki Burton |
| Children | Two (including daughter) |
| Known for | Rab C. Nesbitt |
| Net worth | Estimated, not publicly validated |
| Recent update | UK tour 2026; weight loss from diabetes lifestyle changes |
What is Gregor Fisher known for?
Fisher is best known for his portrayal of Rab C. Nesbitt, a loud, string-vest-wearing Glaswegian antihero who became a cultural touchstone in British comedy. The show ran on BBC from 1990 to 2014, with Fisher in the title role for every episode.
Television career
His first regular television appearance came in 1978 on Scotch & Wry. He went on to appear in a wide range of programmes including Naked Video, Brotherly Love, Snoddy, The Tales of Para Handy, Kidnapped, Oliver Twist, and Only Child. He also played Dexter Dooley in the BBC production of The ABC Murders.
Film roles
Fisher’s film credits include Without a Clue, Love Actually, The Merchant of Venice, Lassie, Wild Target, and Whisky Galore!. His role in Love Actually placed him alongside one of the largest ensemble casts in modern British cinema.
Although Fisher is indelibly linked to Rab C. Nesbitt, his career includes period dramas, literary adaptations, and ensemble comedies.
Who is Gregor Fisher’s wife and family?
Gregor Fisher is married to Victoria Burton, known professionally and personally as Vicki Burton. According to IMDb, the marriage has been ongoing since 1990. The couple met through theatre, appearing together in Dundee Rep’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Children
Sources indicate that Fisher and Burton have three children, though the names and identities of the children remain private. One source mentions a daughter, but no specific name has been publicly confirmed.
Where does he live?
There is some inconsistency in reporting. One source states that Fisher lives in France with his wife, while another says he resides in Ayrshire. The most recent BBC article places him in France, but this has not been definitively confirmed by all outlets.
Fisher has kept details of his children out of the public eye. No official statement or biographical source has named his daughter or sons publicly, which makes unverified claims about their identities unreliable.
What happened to Gregor Fisher’s weight loss?
In a February 2026 interview with BBC News, Fisher confirmed that he had lost a significant amount of weight after being diagnosed with diabetes. He told the BBC: “People don’t recognise me since I lost weight.”
Why did he lose weight?
The actor stated that he was diagnosed with diabetes and advised by his doctor to make lifestyle changes. This medical advice, rather than cosmetic motivation, led to the weight loss. The specific amount lost has not been reported.
Was the weight loss related to a surgery or diet?
No credible source has confirmed any specific weight-loss surgery, diet plan, or exercise regimen. The BBC article notes only that lifestyle changes were recommended. No further medical details have been made public.
Several entertainment news sites have speculated about extreme diets or surgical intervention. None of these claims are supported by Fisher or his representatives. The only confirmed cause is diabetes-related lifestyle changes, as reported by the BBC.
Is Gregor Fisher going on tour in 2026?
Yes, Gregor Fisher is scheduled to begin a UK tour in March 2026, with dates listed through Fiery Entertainment. The tour includes an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Where is he touring?
Full venue and date details are available through Fiery Entertainment, the official booking agency for the tour. The tour marks Fisher’s return to live performance following his health announcement.
Timeline of Gregor Fisher’s life and career
- 1953: Born in Scotland as Gregor McKenzie
- 1980s: Begins acting career in theatre and television
- 1990–2014: Stars as Rab C. Nesbitt in the BBC series
- 2000s: Continues stage and screen roles in films and television
- 2025/26: Diagnosed with diabetes; loses significant weight
- February 2026: BBC article covers weight loss and tour announcement
- March 2026: Begins UK tour; Edinburgh Fringe scheduled
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Gregor Fisher was born on 22 December 1953 | Net worth figures are unverified and vary across sources |
| He is a Scottish actor best known for Rab C. Nesbitt | Exact details of his children identities are private (only daughter known by name? Not confirmed) |
| He lost weight after a diabetes diagnosis (confirmed by BBC) | Specific cause of diabetes not disclosed |
| He is married to Vicki Burton | Exact residence is inconsistently reported (France vs. Ayrshire) |
| He is touring in 2026 | No exact pounds lost has been publicly stated |
Why is Gregor Fisher in the news now?
The combination of a serious health revelation and a planned return to live performance has driven a wave of media coverage in early 2026. Fisher’s BBC interview, in which he candidly discussed his diabetes diagnosis and the resulting weight loss, humanised a figure who has largely avoided the spotlight between acting projects.
Gregor Fisher is a pillar of Scottish comedy, with Rab C. Nesbitt becoming a cultural icon. The recent BBC story highlights a personal health journey that has reshaped his public image. Understanding his career arc and the impact of his weight loss provides a fuller portrait of the man behind the string vest.
His upcoming tour and Edinburgh Fringe appearance suggest that, at 72, Fisher remains committed to entertaining audiences. The tour also serves as a professional milestone following his health adjustments.
For readers interested in other British comedians with similar career trajectories, the profile of Diane Morgan – Biography, Career and 2026 Projects offers a comparison with another distinctive comic voice. Similarly, the story of Chris McCausland – Blindness, Strictly Win and Comedy Career illustrates another performer who has navigated public scrutiny and personal challenges.
Sources and key quotes
“People don’t recognise me since I lost weight.”
— Gregor Fisher, BBC News, February 2026
“I was diagnosed with diabetes and advised to make some lifestyle changes.”
— Gregor Fisher, BBC News, February 2026
The principal sources for this article include Fisher’s Wikipedia entry, IMDb profile, the BBC News interview from February 2026, Fiery Entertainment for tour details, and his official Facebook page.
What is next for Gregor Fisher?
Looking ahead, Fisher has a confirmed UK tour for 2026, including an Edinburgh Fringe appearance. He may also take on new acting projects as his health permits. He continues to engage with fans through his official Facebook page, which has over 117,000 followers. Any further updates on his health or career will likely appear through these channels.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Gregor Fisher live?
He currently lives in France with his wife, actress Vicki Burton, according to recent reports.
Is Gregor Fisher on social media?
He has an official Facebook page (@gfisher.actor) with over 117,000 followers.
How much did Gregor Fisher lose?
The BBC article notes significant weight loss, but exact pounds lost were not specified.
What other TV shows has Gregor Fisher been in?
Beyond Rab C. Nesbitt, he has appeared in various British TV dramas and comedies; a full filmography is on IMDB.
Why does Gregor Fisher live in France?
Personal preference; he moved there with his family but continues to work in the UK.
Fiona Caldwell is Managing Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the newsroom workflow.