Bob Mortimer Shares Emotional Health Update After Life-Changing Surgery
Comedian and television personality Bob Mortimer has delivered an emotional update regarding his serious health battles, revealing how his Gone Fishing co-star Paul Whitehouse played a crucial role in his recovery journey. The 66-year-old star, currently featured in Prime Video's Last One Laughing, opened up about the life-altering triple heart bypass operation he underwent in 2015.
A Terrifying Health Diagnosis
Mortimer's health crisis emerged when medical examinations discovered that a staggering 95% of his arteries were blocked. Doctors delivered the alarming warning that he was perilously close to suffering a heart attack while performing on stage. This diagnosis forced the immediate cancellation of multiple tour dates with his longtime comedy partner, Vic Reeves, sending shockwaves through his professional and personal life.
Reflecting on the aftermath of his surgery during a recent appearance on Vernon Kay's BBC Radio 2 program, Mortimer confessed to experiencing profound fear during his initial recovery period. "I had my heart surgery and I was just sat at home not daring to move," he shared candidly. "When you've had your pipes sewn together, in your mind all you can see are the stitches and you think, 'These are going to blow, I'm just going to keep still.' I thought, 'I now live on my sofa, that's it.'"
Paul Whitehouse's Pivotal Intervention
The turning point in Mortimer's recovery came through the persistent efforts of his friend and colleague, Paul Whitehouse. "But unbeknownst to me, Paul was given the job out of my group of mates of getting me out of the house," Mortimer explained. "And he badgered me and badgered me until it would've been impolite. So I went fishing with him and that was my first trip out after my heart surgery, it was the first time I had been out and about."
This initial fishing excursion eventually evolved into the beloved BBC Two series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, which first aired in 2018 and has become an annual television event. Mortimer described the program as not only his "biggest success so late on in my life" but also a fundamental milestone in his personal health journey. He even selected Led Zeppelin's Ramble On for his life soundtrack playlist as "a celebration" of their successful collaboration.
Ongoing Health Challenges and Resilience
While the heart surgery undoubtedly saved Mortimer's life, it represents just one chapter in his ongoing health battles. In 2024, the comedian disclosed that he spent half of a filming season relying on a wheelchair due to mobility issues that prevented him from walking to locations. "I just tried to get some muscle back, or get some to grow a bit stronger," he told The Mirror. "I'm 80 per cent back and, by the end of the series, I was reasonably sprightly."
Additionally, Mortimer has been navigating recovery from shingles, which he discussed openly last November. "I'm still suffering very much with recovering from shingles," he admitted. "I lost a lot of muscle, an awful lot of muscle in my legs, and I'm just desperately trying to get some strength back in them. But it doesn't really change my lifestyle or anything. I mean, I can't run but I don't do that much running these days, so it's not a problem."
Through all these challenges, Mortimer's story stands as a testament to friendship, resilience, and the unexpected paths to recovery. His heartfelt acknowledgment of Whitehouse's role highlights how personal connections can prove instrumental in overcoming even the most daunting health obstacles.
