Bob Mortimer has revealed that his recent weight gain means he is at increased risk of cancer.
Award-winning BBC show Gone Fishing has previously shown Bob and pal Paul Whitehouse discussing their heart problems and tell viewers how they can eat heart-healthy food to help themselves.
In the new series starting this week Bob, 63, explains that if an area around your waist measures more than 102cm you are prone to more than 20 cancers.
Bob is around 104cm and he vows to lose weight. He said: “We looked into it because we wondered a little bit, but it was true 22 cancers come onto the table if, as a fella, your waist is over 102cm, and it’s less if you’re Asian, 96 If you’re Asian.”
Episode one shows Bob appearing with the tape measure at breakfast time and says: “I am going to make it my mission to get under 102.”
Fast Show star Paul measures 97cm around his waist and so is less at risk.
The comics are thought to be referring to a 2017 study by Dr Heinz Freisling at the International Agency for Research on Cancer which showed your waist measurement is as good at predicting cancer risk as body mass index, a ratio of weight to height.
The series is known for its life-affirming mix of fishing in beautiful locations, comedy and health tips.
Speaking about the new series, which starts tomorrow night on BBC2, Bob said: “It’s probably the prettiest, most breathtaking in terms of the places that we visit and we visit the most interesting accommodation.
“We don’t catch many fish but those that we catch are spectacular.
“I think this series is actually a little bit more joyous and funnier than some earlier episodes.
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“We were a little bit more confident this time to do funny stuff. When the show started, it wasn’t a comedy commission.
“In this series, I think we’ve had the confidence to be a bit naughtier, a bit sillier, you know?”
Paul, 64, said: “It was a toss-up between North Wales and Devon for the first episode so episode two on the River Dee is equally beautiful – I’d never fished before. It’s stunning.”
Bob had triple heart bypass surgery in 2015, whilst Paul has stents fitted in his heart and has spoken of staying in shape with heart rehab exercise.
- Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing tomorrow, 9pm, BBC2/iPlayer.
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