Bob Mortimer, the beloved British comedian known for his role in “Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing,” has made a startling confession that has captured public attention. The 66-year-old entertainer openly admitted that he continues to ignore his doctor’s strict dietary recommendations following his life-saving triple heart bypass surgery in 2015. His reasoning? He would rather “have three years less” than give up his beloved cheese.
The Life-Threatening Discovery
In 2015, Bob Mortimer’s life hung in the balance when what he initially dismissed as a chest infection turned out to be a catastrophic cardiovascular condition. During a routine pre-tour medical check-up with his comedy partner Vic Reeves, doctors made a shocking discovery: 95 to 98 per cent of his arteries were completely blocked. The cardiologist delivered a chilling warning: had Mortimer proceeded with his planned tour, he would likely have suffered a fatal heart attack on stage in Southampton.
The diagnosis necessitated immediate emergency triple heart bypass surgery, forcing the cancellation of tour dates and dramatically altering the comedian’s perspective on life and mortality. During the procedure, Mortimer’s heart stopped beating for an alarming 32 minutes, giving him what he describes as a near-death experience where he witnessed “the light” that so many others have reported.
The Cheese Controversy
Following his recovery, medical professionals placed Bob Mortimer on a strict dietary regimen designed to protect his compromised cardiovascular system. Among the restrictions was a severe limitation on cheese consumption; doctors recommended he consume only a matchbox-sized portion per week. For the comedian, this prescription proved heartbreaking in its own right.
In a candid interview with The Daily Mail, Bob Mortimer revealed his decision to disregard this particular medical advice. “The diet said, ‘You can have a matchbox-size [piece] every week.’ That broke my heart,” he confessed. “There are probably those who stick to it, but I’m likely in the mindset that I’d prefer to have three years less”.
This admission has sparked conversations about quality of life versus longevity, with many sympathising with Bob Mortimer’s choice to prioritise personal enjoyment over strict medical compliance.
Additional Health Challenges
Bob Mortimer’s health struggles have extended far beyond his cardiac issues. The comedian has battled rheumatoid arthritis, a condition he was first diagnosed with forty years ago, but which returned with renewed intensity in recent years. This autoimmune disorder causes painful inflammation of the joints and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
Perhaps even more debilitating was his 2022 bout with shingles, which Bob Mortimer has described as worse than his heart problems. The viral infection resulted in devastating consequences; he lost the use of one leg and required a wheelchair while filming “Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing”. The six-month ordeal left him unable to walk and dependent on his co-star Paul Whitehouse for assistance.
“I wasn’t very well, and it made it a bit of a struggle, but, as always, Paul looked after me and pulled me through,” Bob Mortimer shared about this challenging period. The shingles resulted in significant muscle loss, with the comedian losing up to 20 per cent of the muscle mass in his legs. Medical consultants estimated he would achieve approximately 80 per cent muscle recovery, though Mortimer expressed concern that he might never run again, an activity he once enjoyed.
Changed Perspective on Mortality
Bob Mortimer’s multiple brushes with death have fundamentally altered his relationship with mortality. Earlier in 2025, during an appearance on Mel Giedroyc’s podcast “Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake,” the comedian made a profound revelation about his feelings toward death.
“I don’t feel scared about death; I just feel frustrated and saddened to think I won’t see how stories end,” Mortimer explained. “My children’s story, my wife’s, the football, all the narratives happening in the world that I’ll miss the conclusion of”. This philosophical acceptance reflects a man who has literally died and returned, fundamentally changing his outlook on life’s finite nature.
Career and Legacy
Despite his ongoing health challenges, Bob Mortimer has maintained an active and successful career in British entertainment. His partnership with Vic Reeves, which began in 1986 at the Goldsmiths Tavern in New Cross, London, has produced some of British television’s most memorable comedy moments. Their shows, including “Shooting Stars,” “The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer,” and “House of Fools,” have cemented their status as comedy legends.
“Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing,” which premiered on BBC Two in June 2018, has become particularly meaningful in light of both hosts’ cardiac histories. The series, which features the two friends reflecting on life after their major heart problems while fishing at various British locations, has resonated deeply with audiences. The show has been recommissioned every year since its debut and continues to air, with seven series broadcast to date.
In a touching detail that underscores his commitment to living life on his own terms, Mortimer married his wife just half an hour before going into the hospital for his triple bypass operation. “I got married at half 9 on Monday, then went into the hospital for the operation at 10,” he recalled.
