BREAKING NEWS: Bob Mortimer shares heartfelt wish for BBC Gone Fishing viewers
Bob Mortimer has opened up about the success of Gone Fishing, explaining the reason the BBC Two fishing show resonates so deeply with viewers
Saturday Kitchen aired a past interview with Bob Mortimer on Saturday Kitchen Best Bites (Image: BBC)
Bob Mortimer has opened up about the secret behind Gone Fishing’s enduring popularity with audiences.
Saturday Kitchen Best Bites, a spin-off of Saturday Kitchen Live, which shows the programme’s best bits and past interviews, aired a previously recorded interview with Bob, 67, in which he faces either his food heaven or hell on a past episode of the show.
The repeat broadcast saw Matt, 52, quiz Bob about Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. The hugely successful BBC Two programme follows comedians and lifelong companions Bob and Paul Whitehouse as they embark on a fishing journey across the UK, sharing their heartfelt and entertaining reflections on life.
Gone Fishing is popular amongst fans (Image: BBC)
Reflecting on the programme’s candid conversations, Bob explained: “We’re on the riverbank for eight hours, Matt. So, you know, we just talk most of the time when we’re not fishing. Then they try and find 30 seconds here or a minute there that’s worth putting on the telly, you know.
“I don’t think the show would work if it was scripted, because it is… I think a lot of people watch it. Certainly a lot of fellas watch it and think, ‘Oh, that’s me and my mate. That’s what we’re like.'”.
Making a heartfelt admission about his aspirations for the programme, Bob responded: “I hope it does encourage people to do that, you know, whatever their age.
“To take out eight hours with a friend. You know, fellas tend to get together around a sporting event or something that they’re doing together or have an hour in a pub.
“But to actually go and spend a good chunk of time with a friend, it’s a very healthy thing to do, I reckon.”
