Suicide features prominently in the stand-up routines of Doug Stanhope. The controversial American comedian has spoken publicly about his experiences of helping his seriously ill mother to die, and his decision to write jokes about the episode.

With this in mind, Stanhope admits he can “see the irony” in his latest brush with suicide, when he stopped a man throwing himself off a bridge in Edinburgh.

The comedian was drinking in a hotel in the city on Thursday night following a gig when he saw a worse-for-wear man having an argument with his girlfriend then trying to jump off the North Bridge.

Despite having had a few drinks himself, Stanhope and fellow passers-by came to the rescue by restraining the man and trying to keep him calm until police arrived.

Stanhope has laughed off his efforts, joking he and the man whose life he helped save should now appear together on the Scottish version of the Oprah show.

Despite the typical dark humour, the American should be congratulated for his efforts. His quick thinking and concern for the welfare of others means a man is alive today who would otherwise be dead or severely injured. That is no laughing matter.