Bob Mortimer, 65, reveals he was unable to walk for half of the newest series of Gone Fishing and had to use a wheelchair after six month health battle

Bob Mortimer, 65, reveals he was unable to walk for half of the newest series of Gone Fishing and had to use a wheelchair after six month health battle

Oh, dear Bob Mortimer! The man who can turn a simple fishing trip into a profound exploration of life, friendship, and the beauty of our great nation. I have been following his journey since the first episode, and each new season feels like catching up with an old friend. His recent struggle with shingles, leaving him unable to walk for half of the newest series, just adds another layer of admiration for this incredible man.


In a recent disclosure, Bob Mortimer shared that he couldn’t walk during half of the latest season of his show Gone Fishing because he came down with shingles.

In the latest installment of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, Bob Mortimer and his comedy partner Paul Whitehouse set sail on a British fishing expedition, commencing this past weekend at Rocklands Mere in Norfolk.

Yet, despite Bob, aged 65, being wheeled to various locations due to his struggle with shingles leaving him with weakened muscles, the filming surprisingly did take place.

As a diligent wellness enthusiast, I’ve come to understand that Shingles is an agonizing affliction linked to the very same virus responsible for causing Chickenpox. It’s not exclusive to any particular group, yet it tends to affect individuals more frequently as they advance in age.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I found myself facing some health challenges that made everyday activities quite difficult. However, my reliable companion Paul was there to support me and help me push through these tough times. For almost half of the season, I was unable to walk, which added an extra layer of difficulty to my daily routine. An unusual scenario unfolded when we were in Trent – I was transported from a wheelchair up to the bank’s peak. This is something you rarely witness, and it’s no surprise that such moments are just as rare for me to be seen on my feet. This statement was shared with The Mirror.

Bob Mortimer, 65, reveals he was unable to walk for half of the newest series of Gone Fishing and had to use a wheelchair after six month health battle

Bob Mortimer, 65, reveals he was unable to walk for half of the newest series of Gone Fishing and had to use a wheelchair after six month health battle

Here’s an attempt at paraphrasing: “I’ve been working on building some muscle again and making it a bit stronger. Now, I’m about 80% there, and by the end of this series, I moved quite well. In my opinion, the first two episodes of Gone Fishing are the best ever produced. I find them absolutely brilliant.

Paul and I are continually improving at this, but it might come off as boasting. Instead, I’d like to express that we seem to be grasping the essence of the show better and better, which resonates with the audience, and I find this series truly captivating.

In the same vein as before, it’s Bob who oversees both the food and lodging arrangements. In the opening scene, he expresses his preference for having hot dogs heated in a thermos flask while enjoying them by the waterfront in Norfolk.

In 2018, the BBC2 show came into existence as Paul enticed Bob to the riverside after he had undergone a triple heart bypass.

In the year 2015, it was found that approximately 95% of Bob’s coronary arteries were obstructed, leading to a triple heart bypass surgery. During this procedure, his heart was temporarily stopped for a duration of 32 minutes.

In June, it was announced BBC Factual had commissioned an eighth series of the series.

Paul expressed his excitement about returning to Gone Fishing, accompanied by the other fellow, saying: “I can hardly wait!” Bob, in turn, shared his anticipation for revisiting familiar spots from his youth, as he and Paul will be reminiscing on their past while filming this series. They’ll be fishing at locations that hold significant meaning in their lives.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t contain my excitement! I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the duo, Paul and Bob, are returning for yet another serving of angling, camaraderie, and riverbank wisdom. Can’t wait to join them on their journey!

Engaging with them on their journeys never fails to delight, and this new series appears set to offer an extraordinarily intimate and enjoyable experience.

Bob Mortimer, 65, reveals he was unable to walk for half of the newest series of Gone Fishing and had to use a wheelchair after six month health battle

Engaging with them during their escapades is consistently delightful, and this upcoming series looks set to offer an even more intimate and enjoyable experience.

Lisa Clark, the Executive Producer, expressed her joy saying, “It’s wonderful that we get to keep highlighting the beauty of our nation with Paul, Bob, and Ted included as well.

There’s a lot more territory to discover, offering opportunities for both humans and animals. Ted can find his fair share of mud to roll around in, and Bob might even trip over it. Meanwhile, Paul focuses peacefully on his fishing, undisturbed.

In December, Bob shared that he harbors a deep concern about being unable to run ever again following what was, undoubtedly, the most challenging year for his health.

The comedian, who struggles with rheumatoid arthritis, was told by doctors he has lost 20% of muscle function after contracting shingles. 

He frankly admitted that last year was the most challenging for his health, and he went on to say that it was even more difficult than any heart condition he’s experienced before, as shared during a previous episode of the show.

Currently, the consultant is predicting that I will achieve approximately 80% muscle recovery in my leg. However, she noted that it’s up to me to interpret what this might mean for my personal situation.

‘The muscles I’ve lost, I’ve lost… But other ones can compensate for it, you know what I mean?

Though I can help strengthen other muscles, there’s a nagging concern within me that I may not regain my ability to run again. You remember, don’t you, how much I enjoyed running, Paul.

In previous instances, Bob has been transparent about his health, discussing openly his experience with a triple heart bypass operation and his battles against arthritis.

In December 2020, Bob confessed that he was worried the coronavirus pandemic might reduce his lifespan by about two years.

Admitting that he abandoned his health-conscious routine during the lockdown, he stated: ‘I haven’t exercised at all, I’ve consumed far too much food and drink an excessive amount of alcohol. I believe lockdown may have shortened my life by approximately two years.’

The comedian previously spoke about his struggles with rheumatoid arthritis.

In my late twenties, I suddenly developed rheumatoid arthritis – it felt like a sudden, unexpected blow.

For over a decade, I’ve been living without it, until it reappeared ten days ago. This recurrence has left me feeling quite disheartened about its potential future course. Despite my current larger size, it’s important to note that I’m on a medication called steroids.

At about sixty, I found myself growing weary and disinclined for new experiences. However, it isn’t until you reach that age that you truly understand the multitude of opportunities that you might have missed.

Every Sunday at 9pm, you can catch the latest installment of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer, marking its seventh season.

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2024-09-24 11:40

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