TV tonight: Paul and Bob consider marriage in Mortimer & Whitehouse Gone Fishing
BBC Two’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing returns with a heartfelt episode set in the Scottish Highlands. Paul Whitehouse teases Bob Mortimer about a dream wedding, while the duo pursues Bob’s first salmon and discusses Paul’s recent health scare. The show blends comedy, camaraderie and scenic…
BBC Two’s beloved angling duo, Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, are back on screen for another episode of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. This week’s adventure takes them deep into the Scottish Highlands, where the pair not only chase the elusive salmon but also share a surprisingly intimate moment that hints at a mock‑marriage scenario.
Comedy, camaraderie and a dream wedding
The episode opens with Whitehouse delivering a dead‑pan line that sets the tone: “I had a dream about you, Bob. We were getting married and you had a really thick head of hair – which of those is more likely?” The quip, delivered in Whitehouse’s characteristic dry humor, immediately signals that the show will blend light‑hearted banter with genuine friendship.
While the joke is clearly tongue‑in‑cheek, it also underscores the long‑standing rapport between the two comedians, who first teamed up on the BBC sketch show The Fast Show in the late 1990s. Their chemistry has translated seamlessly into the fishing format, allowing viewers to feel like they’re part of an extended family gathering.
Bob’s first salmon and the Scottish backdrop
The central narrative of the episode revolves around Bob Mortimer’s quest to catch his first salmon on a fly. The pair travel to a remote river in the Highlands, renowned for its clear waters and robust salmon runs. The location provides a stunning visual backdrop, with mist‑shrouded hills and rugged stone bridges that evoke the classic romance of Scottish countryside.
Bob, who is more accustomed to the comforts of a comedy studio than the patience required for fly‑fishing, struggles initially. Whitehouse, an avid angler, offers guidance on casting technique, reading river currents, and the subtle art of presenting a fly that mimics a natural insect. After several attempts, Bob finally feels a tug on his line – a moment captured in slow motion, accompanied by a triumphant musical cue. The scene is both comedic and cathartic, celebrating perseverance and the simple joy of a hard‑won catch.
Health talk: Paul’s skin biopsy
Interwoven with the fishing narrative is a more serious conversation about Paul Whitehouse’s recent health concerns. Earlier this year, Whitehouse underwent a skin biopsy after noticing an unusual mole. The results, while not detailed on screen, prompted a candid discussion between the friends about the importance of regular health checks, especially for men over fifty.
Whitehouse uses the moment to encourage viewers to schedule dermatology appointments, noting that early detection can be life‑saving. The segment is handled with sensitivity, avoiding melodrama while still conveying the gravity of the issue. It adds depth to the programme, reminding audiences that even comedians face real‑world challenges.
Other TV highlights for the evening
While Gone Fishing takes centre stage at 9 pm, the BBC’s schedule offers a variety of complementary programmes:
- Antiques Roadshow: Unseen Treasures (8 pm, BBC One) – Presenter Fiona Bruce showcases rare items such as a telegram from Ringo Starr, Queen Victoria’s parasol, and a mask from the original Phantom of the Opera production.
- Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter (8 pm, Channel 4) – The knitting competition evolves into a culinary‑themed challenge, with host Tom Daley and judges Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell evaluating yarn‑based “dishes.”
- Prisoner 951 (9 pm, BBC One) – The drama continues to follow Nazanin Zaghari‑Ratcliffe’s imprisonment, highlighting recent developments after her move from solitary confinement and the political fallout from remarks made by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
- NightWatch (9.30 pm, BBC Two) – Siblings Daisy May and Charlie Cooper spend a night in a remote bothy, confronting classic horror tropes that bring them closer together.
- Revival (10 pm, Sky Max) – A flashback episode delves into the backstory of deputy Dana (Melanie Scrofano) in rural Wisconsin, adding context to the series’ supernatural mystery.
For film lovers, BBC One’s early afternoon slot features Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, an animated family adventure that blends coming‑of‑age themes with mythic sea monsters.
Sports and live events
Sports fans can tune in to TNT Sports 4 for a One Day International cricket match between India and South Africa at 7.45 am, followed by Scottish Premiership football (Hibernian vs Celtic) on Sky Sports Main Event at 11 am. Women’s Premiership Rugby (Bristol Bears vs Gloucester‑Hartpury) airs at noon on TNT Sports 2, and the Premier League action continues with West Ham vs Liverpool at 1 pm, then Chelsea vs Arsenal at 4.05 pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
Overall, the evening offers a balanced mix of light entertainment, serious drama, and live sport, catering to a broad audience.
What’s next for Mortimer & Whitehouse?
The series is slated to continue its Highland tour, with upcoming episodes promising new rivers, fresh fishing challenges, and more of the duo’s trademark banter. Fans can expect further health updates, especially as Whitehouse’s biopsy results become public, and perhaps more playful “wedding” jokes as the series leans into its comedic roots.
Why it matters
The episode blends humor, scenic travel and health awareness, showing how light‑entertainment can address serious topics while promoting outdoor recreation.
Key points
- Paul Whitehouse jokes about a mock marriage with Bob Mortimer
- Bob Mortimer catches his first salmon on a Scottish Highland river
- The show includes a candid discussion about Whitehouse’s recent skin biopsy
- Evening TV guide also features Antiques Roadshow, Prisoner 951 and live sports
Frequently asked questions
What river do Mortimer and Whitehouse fish in this episode?
They fish on a remote Highland river known for its strong salmon runs, though the exact name is not disclosed in the broadcast.
Did Paul Whitehouse reveal his biopsy results on the show?
No, the programme only mentions the biopsy and uses the moment to encourage regular health checks.
When does the episode air and on which channel?
It airs at 9 pm on BBC Two as part of the weekly series.
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