No fishing for compliments ...Bob hails 'best series vet'

BOB Mortimer says he was determined to overcome more ill health as he filmed his latest angling adventures with Paul Whitehouse.

- Nicola Methven

A six-month bout of shingles left the comedian, 65, with wasted muscles and he was unable to walk for half the episodes of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

Bob said the illness was worse than the heart problems which made him first try the hobby six years ago.

However, despite needing to be taken by wheelchair to several of the riverbanks to film with his pal Paul, he is thrilled with the seventh series.

Bob said of the BBC Two show, which started on Sunday: "I think it's by far the best we've done. The first two episodes are the greatest two episodes of Gone Fishing that have ever been made. Personally, I think they're magnificent.

"I think Paul and I are just getting better and better at it, which sounds a bit boastful. We just know what the show is now and what people like. I love this series."