Bob Mortimer is back to defend his title in the second series of Last One Laughing UK, which returns next week. The 66-year-old comedian won the inaugural series last year, but admits the new line-up makes him feel he has 'no chance'.
Mortimer, known for his work with Vic Reeves and appearances on Would I Lie to You?, says the dynamic this year is 'entirely different'. He noted Alan Carr, Romesh Ranganathan and David Mitchell as early threats, saying, 'I thought, “Uh-oh, I have no chance. This is tough.”'
The show locks comedians in a room where they must avoid laughing at each other's jokes. Mortimer described the experience as 'frightening', especially performing to silent peers. Despite his victory last year, he believes previous experience offers little advantage.
On the changing nature of comedy, Mortimer observed that it has 'gotten a little bit more serious in its references and its topics'. He recalled being influenced by Tommy Cooper and Spike Milligan, who were 'daft, stupid, childish'. He predicted slapstick and stupidity will return.
Mortimer also shared anecdotes about laughing inappropriately, including a wedding joke that caused the bride's side to leave. He declined to repeat the joke, calling it 'too rude' and 'too damaging'.
