Bob Mortimer defies health troubles to make BBC return in Gone Fishing with pal Paul Whitehouse
Bob Mortimer, 65, has defied debilitating health problems to make his TV return, with the BBC commissioning a new series of his Gone Fishing show alongside pal Paul Whitehouse.
On the last series of the show, the comic opened up about his health struggles after he developed shingles - a painful skin rash triggered by the same virus that causes chicken pox.
Speaking on the show Bob, who previously underwent a triple heart bypass after suffering with coronary heart disease, told Paul: "It’s been a very, very, very unhealthy year for me Paul with my shingles… And you know what – it was worse than my heart period. The muscles I’ve lost, I’ve lost… But other ones can compensate for it, you know what I mean?"
And he added: "I can make the other muscles stronger but I have a terrible feeling I’m never going to be able to run again and you know that I used to like to run Paul."
Bob has also battled the painful condition rheumatoid arthritis, having first being diagnosed with the illness in his 20s. He previously told The Sun: “I think I am about 10 years ahead of myself with my body ageing.”
Now Bob and Paul are set to take a trip down memory lane in the upcoming eighth series of Gone Fishing. Each location has been handpicked due to its special significance in either Bob or Paul's life.
In a statement Bob shared his excitement about revisiting places from his past: "I'm looking forward to visiting old haunts from my younger years as Paul and I will be travelling back in time for this series, going to fish in places which shaped our lives."
Paul, 66, also expressed his eagerness to return to the show, jokingly referring to his co-star as "I can't wait to get back to 'Gone Fishing' with that other bloke in tow."
Their trusty sidekick, Patterdale Terrier Ted, will also be joining them on their adventures, ready to stir up some mischief.
BBC Commissioning Editor Patrick McMahon warmly welcomed the pair back, saying: "We're so happy to welcome Paul and Bob back for another slice of fishing, friendship and riverbank philosophy."
He added that the new series promises to be "Following their adventures and spending time in their company is always a treat, and this series promises to be the most personal and pleasurable yet."
Executive Producer Lisa Clark echoed these sentiments: "I'm so delighted we can continue to showcase our beautiful country in the company of Paul, Bob and Ted of course."
"There's so much more to explore for both man and beast with plenty of muck for Ted to roll in and Bob to fall over, while Paul quietly concentrates on the fishing in hand."
The new series of the show is set to air later this year, with Bob and Paul planning to explore the lakes, rivers and canals of locations such as Bedfordshire, North Norfolk and Northern Ireland.
