Review - Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

There is a relaxing element to the series and shots of the countryside are undoubtedly beautiful, but that's not what I come to a show like this for. As much as I love these two men the gag rate just isn't high enough, and as I have absolutely no interest in fishing that side of proceedings doesn't work either, even on the rare occasion that they catch one of the bloody things. It's a real shame as there have been times that this series has been a delight, but due to the far too many banal moments it's something I can't really recommend, and I doubt I'll watch another episode after this.

The pair pitch up at the wild lakes of Essex, armed with hi-tech fishing equipment ("Old men with modern methods: a lethal combination"). Bob shows Paul how to make perfect scrambled eggs and they visit a beauty clinic, amid much meditation on ageing.

Happy to be back in their waders, Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer return for a second series of their mix of angling and homespun philosophy. They begin with a trout-fishing trip to the River Usk, where Whitehouse's father handed him his first rod. "You're fishing with a buffoon, aren't you?" asks Mortimer after getting entangled in tackle for the umpteenth time, prompting a retreat to the riverbank for a lamb lunch seasoned with reminiscences of first snogs. A gentle treat.

Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, review

The template of joshing and musing against gorgeous scenery is totally unchanged, but should provide the perfect Friday night wind-down.

Gone Fishing, episode 1 review

Lumps in the throat when Paul Whitehouse scattered his father's ashes.

Audio: Paul Whitehouse interview

Paul Whitehouse talks about why a series about "two old gits sitting on a riverbank" has been so popular and reveals a few secrets and funnies from the forthcoming series.

Andy Mace replacing Paul Whitehouse in OFAH musical

Actor Andy Mace (The Lion King / Wicked) will take over the role of 'Grandad' from Paul Whitehouse in Only Fools and Horses The Musical from Monday 29 July. Whitehouse is taking a well-earned break from the smash hit show and is due to return to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in several months' time.

Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer on life, death, comedy

On the first morning of filming the first series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, one of the surprise television hits of last summer, Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer both had the same thought. "What have we done?"

Mortimer & Whitehouse accidentally stayed in sex hotel

Shooting Stars legend Bob said they found couples "having it off" in jacuzzis during their stay in the Norfolk hotel.