Angling series gets a second airing this summer

Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse’s angling show is to be repeated on Dave.

The broadcaster has bought the rights to both series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, with the first run going out from August and the second early next year.

The show originated after Whitehouse took Mortimer fishing for relaxation after his triple heart bypass surgery. Each episode revolves around the friends seeking a different species of fish, with Whitehouse sharing his expertise and Mortimer hunting out places to stay and creating healthy menus.

Gaby Sumray, who acquired the series for UKTV said: ‘These series brought so much joy to BBC audiences and with the frustrations that we’re all experiencing during lockdown, we hope Dave viewers  can escape to a place where Bob and Paul –  two of the UK’s most treasured comedy greats – can provide entertainment, escapism and calm among the banks of the UK’s beautiful rivers.’

The series was sold by distributor Keshet International, whose chief operating officer Keren Shahar, said: "The beauty of this show is the magic created when two beloved and iconic comedians chew the cud about anything and everything – from showbusiness to solitude, relationships and romance – while trying to catch fish in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.  

‘It’s pure escapism.  We’re delighted to be able to bring Gone Fishing to a wider British audience on Dave.’

Gone Fishing regularly pulled in more than 2 million viewers for BBC Two, as well as critical acclaim, and a third series is in the pipeline.

Published: 23 Jun 2020