Bob Mortimer has shared poignant health advice for those over the age of 50, urging them not to dismiss breathlessness as a sign of ageing.
The 67-year-old comedian was back on screens this week alongside his co-star Paul Whitehouse for their beloved show Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. The wholesome series, which sees the two lifelong friends embark on a fishing adventure around the UK, often includes touching moments as well as hilarious anecdotes.
But in a repeat episode that aired on BBC Two on Monday (August 3rd), while talking to Paul, Bob gave viewers a warning. As the men discussed ageing, Paul, 69, asked Bob if he felt old once he hit 40.
Bob's Warning
Paul asked: "So when did you start to feel old?"
Bob replied frankly: "When I was trying to play football with my children, so they'd be like ten-ish or something and I just didn't have the energy. I think that was tied in with my heart, though."
"I think the best way of expressing it is, when you're somewhere in your early 50s and you go out playing with the kids or you do a little bit of exercise and feel quite out of puff. It's very easy to just put it down and say, 'Oh, I'm getting a bit old', no!"
"That's the perfect sign to say, 'Why don't you get your heart checked?' Because 50 isn't old," he added.
Bob's Heart Surgery
The news comes after Bob underwent emergency triple heart bypass surgery at the age of 56 in October 2015 after doctors discovered that 95% of his coronary arteries were blocked.
Before his life-changing surgery, Bob was due to get married to his wife, Lisa Matthews. Speaking at a press conference in central London to launch the 2016 leg of his anniversary tour with Vic Reeves, Bob went on to explain how he was able to marry his partner on the morning of the operation.
He said: "I found out I needed heart surgery on the Thursday, so I made a will on the Friday."
"I found out I couldn't get married to Lisa because you have to give 21 days' notice. My consultant said I was incredibly ill so the registrar in London gave me permission to get married on the Monday."
"I got married at half nine on the Monday and went to hospital at 10 to have the operation."
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
