They're two of the country’s best loved TV comedians, and now Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have brought the laughs to the bank in a brand new fishing show.

The six-part BBC2 series ‘Whitehouse and Mortimer: Gone Fishing’ sees the comics travelling the length and breadth of Britain on a string of fishing expeditions where they discuss life, death and comedy-related topics.

Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, the two friends, who have both suffered serious heart problems, revealed the reasoning behind the show and what viewers can expect to see.

Paul said: “Before Bob Mortimer and I die of heart disease, we’re going fishing all around the country.

“I’ve sold it to him by saying fishing is long periods of boredom punctuated by short, sharp periods of incredibly intense boredom. So, as a Middlesbrough fan, he lapped it up!

“But seriously, in the show you’ll see us relating as mates rather than characters.

“I have to be bossy with him when it comes to the fishing, but really I think it shows quite a sweet relationship between us.”

Bob agreed that the show isn’t just about comedy, and said that the UK’s countryside played an important role in the filming.

He added: “Paul is a massive star, but people don’t know much about him, so you will get to see him in his natural environment.

“Our intention was to portray just how beautiful England is, and I think we’ve done that really well. Hopefully it’s something the viewers will enjoy – on both a visual and comedic level.”

Whitehouse and Mortimer: Gone Fishing can be seen on BBC2 with the first episode airing on the 20th of June. For updates and air times of each episode, please check the BBC website.

Whitehouse and Mortimer: Gone Fishing episode by episode...

1) TENCH

Fishing for tench in Norfolk, Bob and Paul share nostalgia for their younger years and reveal how they recently came face to face with their own mortality.

After a brief respite in a local brewery they reluctantly camp down in yurts before fishing again the next day. Will the tench play ball?

2) BARBEL

In Hay-on-Wye the pair fish for barbel. Passing a graveyard, they muse about the future and chat to a local vicar about death and their own funerals.

Back in the fishing cabin, Bob promises Paul a special treat if they are successful in their angling endeavours.

3) RAINBOW TROUT

In Derbyshire’s beautiful Monsal Valley Paul teaches Bob how to fly fish for wild rainbow trout.

Bob cooks Paul his very personal recipe of ‘Tuna Melanie’ on the river bank, proving his cooking is more successful than his fishing.

4) ROACH

Paul and Bob fish the River Wensum for roach and realise how age is starting to take its toll as they negotiate the steep banks. But Bob has a plan to help Paul recapture his youth.

Later, in the local pub, they challenge each other to a fishing competition where the winner gets a very special culinary treat.

5) SEA TROUT AND BASS

Paul fishes the famed Bridge Pool in Dorset, hoping to catch sea trout. Arriving late, Bob redeems himself by hooking the first fish of the day.

Later Paul persuades Bob, not a good sailor, to charter a boat in search of bass. Out at the Needles Paul catches a fish too big for Bob to handle so they head off to a local restaurant to prepare it. Catch Bob’s small cameo as an irritating waiter!

6) PIKE

Paul and Bob decide to try and catch a pike, which is perhaps not the best idea for two men of a certain age with heart problems.

In the cosy cottage where they are staying, they invite a consultant cardiologist to dinner to talk about their medical past and their future, gaining tips on how to live the healthiest life possible. Facing the future, they write a eulogy for each other as the sun sets on their final fishing expedition.