Bob Mortimer Vows to Keep 'Gone Fishing' Alive: 'I'll Do It for as Long as They'll Have Us'

A Fishing Legend in the Making

The BBC’s most soothingly brilliant series, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In an exclusive revelation, comedy icon Bob Mortimer has declared he'll keep the rods casting for ‘as long as they’ll have us’. The news, dropped during a lively appearance on ITV's This Morning, sent ripples of joy through the show’s devoted fanbase.

Since its 2018 debut, Gone Fishing has become a cultural phenomenon—a gentle, melancholic travelogue where two lifelong friends, Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, wander the UK's most picturesque waterways. No gimmicks, no forced drama. Just banter, beer, and the occasional tug of a line. The eighth series, which launched this October, proves the formula is still a ratings catch.

Why Bob Won't Hang Up His Waders

Speaking on Wednesday’s (November 5) episode of This Morning, Mortimer radiated a quiet, determined passion. 'I love doing it so I'll do it for as long as they'll have us,' he told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. The statement wasn’t just a polite soundbite—it was a testament to a show that has become more than just a gig. It’s a lifeline.

Mortimer expanded on the program’s enduring magic, noting how it showcases Britain’s raw beauty. 'We really love how great it makes the UK look. It's nice to be reminded occasionally, you know, just how pretty it is.' That sentiment—quietly patriotic yet deeply personal—resonates with viewers seeking a respite from the news cycle.

The Apex of Gentle Celebrity

The Gone Fishing formula is deceptively simple: two septuagenarian comics, their rod and reel, and a dug-in companion—Ted, the aging terrier who has become an internet darling. But the latest season packs an emotional punch. Mortimer and Whitehouse have traded random riverbanks for locations that hold intimate memories.

Whitehouse explained the pivot: 'The thrust of this series is that we go to places that we have either fished before or resonate with us from our past or mean a lot… there is maybe an extra level of poignancy.' Mortimer echoed the sentiment, calling it 'a slightly different approach'—less about species and more about spirit.

Think about it: two friends nearing their 70s, revisiting childhood haunts and formative fishing holes. That’s not just television; that’s therapy. And the result? A series that’s more heartfelt, more raw, and more addictive than ever.

The Dog Pram Heard 'Round the World

Of course, no Gone Fishing conversation is complete without an update on Ted, the beloved terrier who has amassed a fan base rivaling most human celebrities. When pressed about the pup’s condition, Mortimer admitted with a laugh: 'He's knocking on like me and Paul.' The trio are aging ungracefully but gracefully together.

Mortimer revealed that Ted now requires a little pram for their walks. 'We're all struggling a bit more as the series go by. He has to have a little pram now!' The image of three old friends—two comedians and one terrier—shuffling through the British countryside, one with wheels, is the kind of wholesome drama the nation didn’t know it needed.

From Comedy Royalty to Fishing Royalty

For the uninitiated, Gone Fishing isn’t just a show; it’s a reaffirmation of why Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are comedy legends. The duo first sparked on Vic Reeves Big Night Out in the early '90s, creating a surrealist universe that defined an era. But Gone Fishing allows them to be themselves—witty, vulnerable, and utterly without pretense.

Mortimer’s health struggles have been well-documented: he underwent a triple heart bypass in 2015 and has spoken openly about his battles with depression. The show has become a therapeutic outlet—a way to slow down and savor life. Meanwhile, Whitehouse, known for his iconic characters in The Fast Show and as a collaborator on Harry Enfield, finds a quieter canvas here. Their chemistry is effortless, their silences as meaningful as their jokes.

In a media landscape obsessed with conflict and controversy, Gone Fishing is a radical act of calm. It’s appointment television for anyone tired of the noise. And with Mortimer’s recent declaration, it’s clear the BBC shares the audience’s appetite for more.

The Future Looks (and Sounds) Bright

Beyond the fishing rod, Mortimer has hinted at other projects. He recently admitted to 'bursting into tears' over a personal hero and teased the possibility of reuniting with Vic Reeves for a new project. But for now, Gone Fishing remains the priority—likely because it’s the most honest reflection of who he is.

READ MORE: Bob Mortimer admits he 'burst into tears' in rare insight about personal hero
READ MORE: 'It would be fun' - Comedian Bob Mortimer says he wants to work with Vic Reeves again

As the eighth series continues on BBC Two—and reruns endlessly on streaming platforms—one thing is certain: Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse haven’t just found a hit TV show. They’ve found a second act, a shared bucket list, and a reason to keep going. And if Ted’s pram is any indication, they’ll keep rolling forward together.

So fill your flask, pack your tackle, and settle in. Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing isn’t just television—it’s a masterclass in friendship, resilience, and the quiet art of catching nothing but everything.

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