Bob Mortimer has laid bare his ongoing health struggles, hinting at the possibility that he may never run again. The 64-year-old, known for his wit on shows like “Shooting Stars” and “Would I Lie to You,” opened up during a special episode of “Mortimer And Whitehouse: Gone Fishing,” where he and co-star Paul Whitehouse explored the rivers Dee, Tay, and Ericht in Scotland.
Reflecting on his tumultuous year, Mortimer shared, “It’s been a very, very, very unhealthy year for me, Paul, with shingles. It was the worst health period of my life, worse than my heart period.” This statement follows his triple heart bypass surgery in 2015 and a recent battle with shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Paul Whitehouse, Mortimer’s longtime friend and co-host, acknowledged the comedian’s challenges, stating, “Bob has endured misery and pain in equal measure over the last year.” The conversation took a poignant turn when Mortimer delved into the impact on his muscles, expressing concern about running again. “I have a terrible feeling I’m never going to be able to run again, and you know how I used to like to run, Paul.”
Bob Mortimer Recalls When Troubles Started
Bob’s health struggles trace back to 2015 when he had to cancel a comedy tour with Vic Reeves due to the need for a heart operation. In this latest revelation, Mortimer highlighted the severity of his shingles experience, questioning the intricacies of the nervous system and lamenting the loss of muscle mass. “The muscles I’ve lost, I’ve lost, but other ones can compensate for it, do you know what I mean?” he mused.
Despite the challenges, Mortimer remains candid and resilient, contemplating muscle recovery and potential limitations on his physical activities. “I can make the other muscles stronger, but I have a terrible feeling I’m never going to be able to run again,” he admitted.
Earlier in the year, Mortimer had to step down from co-hosting “Gone Fishing” due to his incapacitation by shingles, with comedian Lee Mack filling in during his recovery. Fans of the show have taken to social media to express their support and admiration for Mortimer. One user noted, “Bob Mortimer is a national treasure.”
As we reflect on Mortimer’s journey, it’s evident that his humour and resilience have endeared him to a loyal audience. Despite the health setbacks, Mortimer continues to share his unique perspective and stories, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the British entertainment landscape. So, while the uncertainty about Mortimer’s running future looms, one thing is clear – his impact on the comedy scene and the hearts of fans remains unwavering.