Latest news with #PaulWhitehouse
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Paul Whitehouse insists his and Bob Mortimer's BBC fishing series was a 'success' because it was based on 'real life' - after they both underwent life-changing heart surgery
Comedy legend Paul Whitehouse has insisted his and Bob Mortimer 's BBC series Gone Fishing was a 'success' because it was based purely on 'real life' situations. The series saw the double act embark on many fishing trips together around the UK as they opened up about their respective life-changing heart surgeries. Last One Laughing star Bob, 65, underwent bypass surgery in 2015 when his heart was stopped for 32 minutes after discovering that 95 per cent of his arteries were blocked. Meanwhile, Paul, 67, had part of his colon removed nearly two decades ago and also had three stents put in his heart after an operation. Speaking on Dr Oscar Duke's new health podcast Beside Manners, Paul spoke of the pair's friendship and hardship they've suffered over the years. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Paul said he first discovered the idea of turning their surgeries into entertainment when he and Bob went on a fishing trip and 'had a daft laugh' together. He said: 'We started going out a few more times and it was one day in particular, I think it was a really beautiful day in May, and the river was idyllic and the flies were hatching, and the reed warblers were warbling. 'We just made each other laugh. Had a daft laugh as Bob would say, and I thought, oh this might be a good idea for a program. 'Anyway, it worked with the BBC and they let us do a little trial and they seemed to go for it and the reason it's been successful is exactly as I outlined there because it came 100% out of real life.' Last summer, Bob was left unable to walk for half of the newest series of his show Gone Fishing after he contracted shingles. Bob suffered wasted muscles after a six-month bout of the virus and had to be taken by wheelchair to several of the locations. Describing the toll Bob's surgery had on him, Paul said: 'I don't want to speak for Bob, but obviously it was difficult. 'The family were very supportive but he found that road to recovery very slow physically and I think mentally as well.' Speaking on Dr Oscar Duke's new health podcast Beside Manners, Paul spoke of the pair's friendship and hardship they've suffered over the years During an appearance on Kathy Burke 's Where There's A Will, There's A Wake podcast, Bob explained that he no longer feared death. The TV personality explained: 'I don't feel scared about death, I just feel so frustrated and sad to think I won't see how stories end.' Bob added: 'My children's story. My wife's. The football. All the stories going on in the world that you're going to miss the end of.' Speaking about his experience, he said: 'I did see the light at the end of the tunnel. I experienced going towards the light and feeling happier than I have ever felt, ever. 'It was quite extraordinary, and then I woke up a day later and I was OK. I thought, "This is great. I no longer fear death and everything."' Bob secretly married his wife Lisa Matthews just half an hour before undergoing heart surgery. The comic arranged to wed his long-term partner on the day of his operation after being warned he was 'incredibly ill'.
Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Paul Whitehouse and Joanna Lumley lead calls to save chalk streams
Joanna Lumley and Paul Whitehouse are leading calls for the government to resurrect an abandoned plan to save England's rare chalk streams. England is home to about 85 per cent of the globally important rivers, including the Avon, Frome and Stour which Sir David Attenborough highlighted in his Wild Isles series. However, they are threatened by too much water abstraction and sewage spills, which led the previous government to commission a 'chalk stream recovery pack' to rescue the waterways, which trout and other species rely on. Despite the author of the rescue plan saying it is 'agreed and written', Labour quietly shelved it after coming to power. Now a group of celebrities have joined forces with conservationists fighting to save the plan, using a
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Paul Whitehouse spotted having 'best night out' in Cardiff
Paul Whitehouse spotted having 'best night out' in Cardiff The comedian was celebrating his birthday at a city restaurant Paul Whitehouse said he had a great night out in Cardiff (Image: Giovanni's in the bay ) Popular comedian Paul Whitehouse celebrated his birthday in a Cardiff restaurant. Paul, known for The Fast Show and his friendship with Bob Mortimer on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, is in Wales performing in the musical Only Fools and Horses: The Musical. He is playing Grandad in the show at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, and to celebrate his birthday enjoyed a night out at Italian restaurant Giovanni's in the bay, with his fellow castmates. The restaurant even created him a "lovely jubbly" birthday board in homage to the hit TV show. Speaking about the night, Paul said: "We've been on the road for months and this is the best night we've had by a million miles." General manager of Giovanni's in the bay, Bleddyn, said: "It was a show in itself. Paul and the cast were absolutely amazing." Paul is not the only celebrity who has visited Cardiff recently. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Jack Dee was helped out by South Wales Police Service in Cardiff city centre. Article continues below The a stand-up comedian and TV presenter posed for photos with officers where he looked unrecognisable. Posting a selfie of Jack, where he is wrapped up in a hat and scarf and not the most recognisable, with PCSOs, the caption read: "Comedian Jack Dee was a little lost in #Cardiff city centre. Luckily our friendly city centre PCSOs Deb and Lynda were on patrol and happy to give directions." You can read more, here. Jack is best known for the sitcom Lead Balloon, which he wrote and starred in, and he's also gained fans hosting long-running Radio 4 panel show I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. He recently took part in the 2024 series of Taskmaster where he finished second. Earlier in 2025, shoppers cross Wales had a few surprises in January after two Hollywood actors were spotted shopping in different parts of Wales. BAFTA-winning Irish actor Barry Keoghan was recognised by fans while shopping in Merthyr Tydfil, while Golden Globe winner Taron Egerton was seen further west in Aberaeron. Article continues below Taron, who was born in Merseyside but grew up in Wales, popped into The Moody Cow Welsh Kitchen & Farm Shop and took a selfie with a member of staff who recognised him. Barry was reportedly spotted shopping in Sports Direct in Merthyr Tydfil. You can read more, here.
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Only Fools... show in Blackpool halted after 'medical emergency'
The opening night of Only Fools and Horses The Musical in Blackpool was halted after an audience member fell ill. Blackpool's Winter Gardens said Monday's show, based on the long-running BBC TV comedy, was postponed and the Opera House theatre evacuated after a "medical emergency" in the front stalls during the West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said it attended the theatre and had taken a man to hospital for further Winter Gardens said its thoughts and well wishes were with the man and his family, and thanked everyone for their patience. It said ticket holders would receive an email with details of how to transfer to another performance or request a musical stars Paul Whitehouse as Grandad and audience members are also reacquainted with much-loved characters including Del Boy Trotter, Rodney and Cassandra, Trigger, Boycie and show is billed as a celebration of "traditional working class life in London in 1989".The musical is touring the UK and the Republic of Ireland after a record-breaking four-year run in London's West End. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Only Fools And Horses musical plunged into chaos as show is evacuated and emergency services rush to theatre
The opening night of the Only Fools And Horses: The Musical was forced to a halt on Monday after a 'medical emergency' took place at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Theatergoers were evacuated during the interval and the second act of the show was postponed after a member of the audience fell ill, with paramedics instantly called to the scene. Only Fools And Horses: The Musical, featuring Paul Whitehouse as Grandad, is currently touring the UK following a four-year sold-out run-in London's West End. The Winter Gardens issued a statement about the incident on Tuesday as they revealed all those affected would be able to transfer their tickets to another night or request a refund. Attendees were quick to praise the theatre - which hosts the musical until May 3 - for the staff's quick reaction and calm response to the incident. A statement from The Winter Gardens read: 'During last night's performance of Only Fools and Horses The Musical, a medical emergency involving a member of the audience occurred during the interval in the front stalls area of the auditorium.' It continued: 'Due to the nature of the incident and in accordance with venue protocols, the decision was taken to evacuate the theatre and postpone the remainder of the show. 'All affected ticket holders will receive an email today with full details on how to transfer their tickets to another performance this week, or how to request a refund if they are unable to attend an alternative date. 'We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff, the visiting company, and the emergency services for their swift and professional response. 'Our thoughts and well wishes are with the individual involved and their family at this time. 'We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these exceptional circumstances.' Commenting on the post, theatregoers shared: 'We were there and commend your staff for the professional way they dealt with this medical emergency. 'I've worked in a theatre and evacuating everyone is not a straightforward process. Sending our best wishes to the patient who we hope has a swift and full recovery. 'To the woman standing next to us outside complaining and saying she was going to demand a full refund for all their expenses; perhaps you could occasionally think of someone else rather than yourself. Maybe the patient and their loved ones..??' Attendees were quick to praise the theatre - which hosts the musical until May 3 - for the staff's quick reaction and calm response to the incident Others added: 'Well done on handling this difficult situation so well. Particular mention to a girl on your team who cleared the auditorium and the road outside to allow access.'; 'The evacuation procedure seemed to work very well. Every credit to your staff who reacted very professionally, especially the young lady who was guiding everyone outside and allowed emergency services to quickly make their way to the scene. 'A shame this incident happened, especially on opening night. The show from what we saw was excellent. Hopefully we'll get another chance to see it. 'My thoughts are for the unfortunate person/ casualty involved. Well done to the Winter Gardens staff and emergency services.'; 'A very unfortunate scenario. The staff did an excellent job in evacuating the theatre and more so attending the casualty. 'My thoughts are with the family and friends of the person involved. Nothing else matters……' Only Fools And Horses: The Musical will finish its tour on July 5 in Dublin at Bord Gais Energy Theatre. In December, Sir David Jason praised the 'hysterical and moving' musical after it's gala performance. The actor, 85, who portrayed Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the beloved BBC sitcom, said the stage show 'brought a tear to my eye' as memories of his time on the series came flooding back. Speaking to The Sun at London's Eventim Apollo, David said it was 'hysterical' and added: 'What I did like about it was that so much of the original script was used and they did it so well that sometimes it even took me by surprise and I was laughing. 'So the whole show was a memory for me of the whole thing: the script, the characters - it was lovely to see them all. 'Some of the good characters and actors that are no longer with us as well, so it nearly brought a tear to my eye.' The beloved BBC sitcom ran from 1981 to 1991 followed by several Christmas specials that ended in 2003. In January 2022, Only Fools And Horses topped a BBC poll of the best 20 TV programmes the corporation has ever made.
