Paul Whitehouse has opened up about how fishing with his friend Bob Mortimer serves as his “escape” following his heart operation. The 68-year-old comedian had three stents fitted in 2015 after doctors discovered heart disease during life-saving bowel surgery.
Fishing as therapy
Whitehouse and Mortimer began fishing together after their respective heart problems—Mortimer had a triple bypass—and their BBC show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing has been running since 2018. Appearing on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast with his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir, Whitehouse explained the appeal of the pastime.
“I know fishing is very niche and doesn’t appeal to many people, but the idea that you’re out in that environment, the world is over there then. It’s our excuse to get out in the most beautiful places - that’s what it’s always done for me. Even if I’m fishing on the canal with my dad and my mates, it takes you out of the world. That’s my escape.”
Exercise is sacrosanct
Whitehouse also stressed the importance of exercise after his health battles. “Now I’ve got a very legitimate excuse to do it, I do make that time. That gives me, not only physical wellbeing, but keeps me sane.”
The Harry Enfield actor previously shared how he planned to prioritise his wellbeing after the operation. “When I had the heart stents, the guy who did it said, ‘Well I didn’t put them in for you to go and sit by the fire, so get up and go out,’” he said. “I took him at his word, so I do a lot of exercise to keep myself ticking over.”
Series 9 and tribute to Ted
Whitehouse and Mortimer will appear in series 9 of Gone Fishing, due to air later this year. They recently paid tribute to Ted, the dog from the show, who passed away earlier this year.
Mortimer said: “So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.. and away boss.”
Whitehouse added: “Bye bye Ted old friend. He wasn’t a dog, he was a species all of his own. He’s gone to the great briefcase emporium in the sky. We will really miss you mate.”
A crowdfunding page set up to raise money for charities in Ted's name has reached over £35,000. The dog was rescued from a home in Surrey in 2013 and lived with the show's executive producer.
