Bob Mortimer has shared an update on his health battle, describing it as his “worst,” and mentioning the loss of muscles in the process
Renowned comedian Bob Mortimer, who has faced health challenges throughout his life, reveals that his current ordeal is the most severe. He has had to relinquish running due to the erosion of his muscles.
Bob Mortimer has openly shared that the past year has taken a toll on his health, describing it as ‘very unhealthy’ while discussing it with fellow comedian Paul Whitehouse on their TV programme.
The 64-year-old comedy legend has coped with rheumatoid arthritis since childhood and underwent triple bypass surgery in 2015. This year, he faced shingles – a painful skin infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
Bob revealed that his health challenges have led to muscle loss, preventing him from going on runs. He estimates that around eighty percent of the muscles in his legs have deteriorated due to his illness.
During a heartfelt conversation with 65-year-old comedian Paul Whitehouse on an episode of their show ‘Gone Fishing’, Bob candidly shared, “It’s been an incredibly unhealthy year for me, Paul, dealing with my shingles… And you know what – it was more challenging than my heart period.”
Discussing the changes in his physique and muscle mass, Bob reflected, “The muscles I’ve lost are gone… But other ones can step up, you know what I mean? I can strengthen the other muscles, but I have this dreadful feeling I won’t be able to run again, and you know how much I used to enjoy running, Paul.”
Offering understanding and support, Paul comforted his colleague, saying, “I’m really sorry to hear that, mate.”
Earlier this year, Bob had to withdraw from co-hosting Gone Fishing due to being incapacitated by shingles. Lee Mack stepped in as a replacement. However, Lee’s tenure on the show sparked controversy when he mentioned on camera, “I don’t fish. And when I say ‘I don’t fish’, I don’t mean, ‘I can’t fish – teach me, grasshopper.’ I mean, I won’t fish; I’m a vegan.”
However, this explanation didn’t sit comfortably with viewers, who questioned why Lee would agree to work on the show in the first place. One displeased fan commented on X/Twitter after Lee’s debut: “Does Lee Mack just say yes to everything? Why join a fishing programme if you’re vegan and don’t fish?”
Last month, Bob expressed that his health problems were starting to take over his life. During an open conversation on Sunday Brunch, the TV icon shared, “As you get older, it’s your joints that give you trouble. That’s what becomes the main focus of your life.”
He also mentioned that he couldn’t engage in tasks and hobbies he used to cherish. He remarked, “I used to enjoy prepping the outside of a property for painting, but I can’t manage that anymore.” He indicated that such activities now cause issues with his shoulders, gesturing towards his limited movement compared to his younger days.
