Paul Whitehouse

If the opening episode of Bob and Paul's angling amble felt downbeat, this episode's opening ruminations on tombstone inscriptions might not immediately lighten the mood. And yet, as talk turns from the funereal to the finer points of fishing, the camaraderie continues to appeal.

Gone Fishing review

Comedy pals get to the heart of life the universe and stuff.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing review

There are no negatives to comment on for this first episode. It was a really enjoyable watch that had this lovely genuine feel about it. This coupled with the humour made it a viewing delight.

I'm hooked on gentle joys of Paul and Bob's tales

Both men enjoyed fishing as lads. But it is Paul who really loves sitting in meditative silence beside the water: 'When that float goes under, it's a magical moment and it takes me back to my childhood.'

Much like The Trip, this new show sees a pair of beloved British comedy veterans embarking on a series of adventures together. There, however, the comparisons end; these fishing trips boast a decidedly provincial English flavour, as Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse pursue the elusive tench, chat about their respective health scares, and trade low-key banter. Not much of it is laugh-out-loud-funny, exactly, but it does feel gently restorative. A contented yawn of a programme.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing preview

Once he was in The Fast Show, now he's in a very slow one.

Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse interview

'I found out that it was a ruse to get me back into life': Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their new BBC2 show and the restorative power of fishing.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, review

Nothing fishy about this warm portrait of friendship.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing BBC2, review

Two of our best loved comedians ambling around together sharing experiences has drawn inevitable comparisons with The Trip.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

The two funnymen bond by the river as they recuperate from heart operations and contemplate life without biscuits.