😢 “MY GREATEST REGRET IS…” — Bob Mortimer Moves Millions to Tears with Raw Confession: He’s Quietly Defying Doctors After Triple Heart Bypass to Squeeze Every Precious Moment Out of Life 💔🧀

The beloved comedian behind Gone Fishing has always been the king of gentle humor… but now, in a gut-punch interview, 66-year-old Bob opens up like never before about the fear, the tears he hides, and the one thing that “broke his heart” after emergency surgery saved his life.

Doctors warned: Cut the cheese way down — or risk everything. His response? “That broke my heart… I’d rather have three years less than live without it.” 😭

Full story:

Comedian and broadcaster Bob Mortimer, best known for his work with Vic Reeves and the BBC series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, has spoken candidly about his health challenges in recent interviews, including his decision to disregard strict post-surgery dietary restrictions following a life-saving triple heart bypass in 2015. At 66, Mortimer remains active in television and comedy, but his comments highlight a pragmatic approach to living with the aftermath of serious cardiac issues.

Mortimer underwent emergency open-heart surgery in October 2015 after medical tests revealed 95% blockage in his arteries. The condition was discovered unexpectedly during what he initially believed was treatment for a chest infection. Doctors later informed him that continuing his tour schedule with Vic Reeves could have resulted in a fatal heart attack on stage, potentially in Southampton. In the days leading up to the procedure, Mortimer made a will and, unable to wait the required notice period, secretly married his long-term partner Lisa Matthews just before entering the operating theater.

The experience profoundly affected him. In subsequent years, Mortimer described a near-death sensation of seeing a “white light” during the ordeal, leading him to declare he no longer fears death. He has credited the surgery with shifting his perspective in subtle but meaningful ways, emphasizing gratitude and presence. The recovery period also gave rise to Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, which began as Paul Whitehouse’s effort to coax his friend outdoors for gentle activity and has become a long-running series celebrating angling, friendship, and quiet reflection.

In a November 2025 interview reported by the Daily Mail and The Mirror, Mortimer addressed ongoing lifestyle adjustments recommended after his bypass. A dietitian advised limiting cheese to a small, matchbox-sized portion weekly due to its high saturated fat content and potential impact on cardiovascular health. Mortimer called the restriction “heartbreaking,” explaining that while some patients adhere strictly, he falls into the camp of preferring a shorter but more enjoyable life. “I’d rather have three years less,” he stated, underscoring a preference for quality over extended quantity when it comes to dietary sacrifices.

This admission aligns with Mortimer’s broader outlook on health management. He has been open about not being “very well” in general, including a difficult bout with shingles in recent years that caused substantial muscle loss in his legs, requiring a wheelchair during parts of Gone Fishing filming. In updates shared in late 2025, he described still recovering, working to regain leg strength, and expressing gratitude that the condition was not worse. Despite these setbacks, he has continued working, including appearances in shows like The Last One Laughing on Prime Video.

Mortimer’s comments on cheese consumption drew attention for their honesty, resonating with audiences familiar with the challenges of post-cardiac lifestyle changes. Medical experts note that while guidelines recommend reducing saturated fats to lower cholesterol and prevent further arterial issues, individual adherence varies. Many patients balance recommendations with personal enjoyment, though cardiologists emphasize that consistent diet and exercise improve long-term outcomes after bypass surgery.

The bypass itself was a success, with Mortimer returning to public life and crediting new “pipes” for better blood flow. He has revisited the topic in interviews over the years, including discussions on Good Morning Britain with the surgeon involved and reflections in Gone Fishing episodes that touch on health indirectly through themes of aging and appreciation for simple pleasures.

Public response to his 2025 remarks has been largely supportive, with fans praising his authenticity. Social media posts and articles highlight how his willingness to share vulnerabilities humanizes a beloved figure known for eccentric humor. Some unverified online content has amplified the story with more dramatic framing, suggesting broader “defiance” or emotional confessions involving tears and anxiety, but mainstream reports center primarily on the cheese anecdote as a light-hearted yet revealing insight into his priorities.

Mortimer’s health journey has also raised awareness about heart disease in men. His 2015 scare prompted discussions on symptoms often mistaken for minor ailments and the importance of timely intervention. Whitehouse has spoken about the impact, noting how fishing outings began as gentle rehabilitation and evolved into a platform for open conversations about well-being.

As of January 2026, Mortimer shows no signs of retreating from work. New series of Gone Fishing and other projects continue, with the comedian maintaining his characteristic wit. His reflections serve as a reminder that post-surgery life involves ongoing choices—medical, emotional, and personal—often shaped by individual values.

For many, Mortimer’s approach exemplifies resilience: acknowledging risks while refusing to let them overshadow enjoyment. Whether through a rod by the river or a quiet indulgence, he continues to make moments count on his own terms.