This week's episode of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing took the comedy duo to County Durham, where they fished the River Tees and visited High Force Waterfall. The show, hosted by close friends Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, drew attention to a river Mortimer called "very-underecognised."
Filming at High Force and the River Tees
The episode opened dramatically at High Force Waterfall. High Force Hotel and Waterfall shared an image of Mortimer and Whitehouse filming at the location, celebrating the episode's release. The hotel said on social media: "A huge thank you to Bob Mortimer & Paul Whitehouse for showcasing the beautiful River Tees and our spectacular High Force Waterfall in Episode 4 of Gone Fishing."
Mortimer, who is from Middlesbrough, recalled coming to the falls on school trips before exploring the fishing spot above the falls between Barnard Castle and the Pennines. He noted that the fish in the river are landlocked above the falls, meaning the river is home to a special type of trout.
A Personal Connection for Mortimer
Mortimer described the River Tees as "the most magnificent of rivers" and said it "feels like my river" because his "birth certificate says 'born in Middlesbrough.'" The episode also featured special guest Reece Shearsmith, known for the horror anthology Inside No.9, who shared local ghost stories with the fishing pair over dinner.
The next location was an estate lake that Mortimer's father took him to as a child. In an emotional scene, Mortimer had a moment of silence for his father, who passed away shortly after that trip. He said: "We are joined together again in a way. My dad stood here, and I'm sat here now, 60 years later."
He continued: "Charles Stockton Mortimer, that was his name. I never knew you, but I grew from you. I remember you stood here on this rock, catching a pike. And I know that behind that, you'd taken us for a day out. And that's what I think I miss most, a day out with Pops."
Episode Conclusion and Availability
The episode concluded with the song "Steel River" by Middlesbrough singer Chris Rea, referencing the River Tees. Series 9 episode 4 of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
