Mortimer and Whitehouse Return for Eighth Series of Gone Fishing

Comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are back for their eighth series of Gone Fishing, set to air on BBC Two tonight. The programme sees the duo visiting various locations around the UK, fishing and exploring the countryside while reflecting on their lives and careers. The show's concept began after Mortimer underwent a triple heart bypass surgery, with Whitehouse inviting him to go fishing as a form of therapy.

Key Takeaways:

• The eighth series of Gone Fishing will have a focus on people, places, and rivers that hold personal connections to Mortimer and Whitehouse.
• The first episode of the series will see the duo visiting Hampshire, with Paul Whitehouse fly-fishing for wild brown trout on the River Itchen.
• The River Itchen is one of Whitehouse's favorite locations, and he has previously revealed it as his favorite place in Hampshire.
• Whitehouse has a strong connection to the River Test in the county, having taken Mortimer fishing there for the first time and scattering his dad's ashes after his passing.
• The show's concept was born out of Mortimer's heart bypass surgery, with Whitehouse inviting him to go fishing as a form of therapy.
• The programme aims to provide viewers with a unique perspective on the countryside, with Whitehouse stating that fishing allows you to "be part of it" and immerse yourself in the environment.
• The new series will also feature an interview with actor and fellow angler James Murray, who is campaigning to save the declining salmon population in the county's chalk streams.

Statistics:

• The eighth series of Gone Fishing will have a focus on eight different locations around the UK.
• The show's concept was born out of Mortimer's triple heart bypass surgery in 2018.
• The first episode of the series will air on BBC Two tonight, Sunday, October 26, from 9pm.
• The show will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from 9pm, Sunday, October 26.

Sources:

• "BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) October 22, 2025"