Comedian Paul Whitehouse shared his passion for fishing as he talks his health issues on Fearne Cotton’s podcast
Paul Whitehouse opened up about his love of fishing after his 2015 heart op (Image: BBC/Owl Power/Jonathan Jakob)
The Fast Show star Paul Whitehouse revealed he uses fishing as his “escape” after his heart op. The comedian, 68, had three stents fitted in 2015 after doctors discovered his heart disease following life-saving bowel surgery. Paul and his pal Bob Mortimer started fishing together after their respective heart problems – Bob had a triple bypass – and their BBC show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing has been running since 2018.
Talking to Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place podcast, where he appeared with his wife Dr Mine Conkbayir, Whitehouse said: “I know fishing is very niche and doesn’t appeal to many people, but the idea that you’re out in that environment, the world is over there then. It’s our excuse to get out in the most beautiful places – that’s what it’s always done for me. Even if I’m fishing on the canal with my dad and my mates, it takes you out of the world. That’s my escape.”
Whitehouse explained exercise is also “sacrosanct” for him after his health battles.
“Now I’ve got a very legitimate excuse to do it, I do make that time. That gives me, not only physical wellbeing, but keeps me sane.”
The Harry Enfield actor, who previously shared how he planned to prioritise his wellbeing after his heart op.
“When I had the heart stents, the guy who did it said, ‘Well I didn’t put them in for you to go and sit by the fire, so get up and go out,’” he said. “I took him at his word, so I do a lot of exercise to keep myself ticking over.”
Whitehouse and Mortimer will appear in series 9 of Gone Fishing, due to air later this year. They recently paid tribute to the dog from their hit show, Ted, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Bob Mortimer said: “So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.. and away boss.”
Paul Whitehouse added: “Bye bye Ted old friend. He wasn’t a dog, he was a species all of his own. He’s gone to the great briefcase emporium in the sky. We will really miss you mate.”
A crowdfunding page was set up to raise money for charities in Ted’s name – with the total now reaching over £35,000. The pooch was rescued from a dog’s home in Surrey in 2013 and lived with the show’s exec producer.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
