Lee Mack rushed in to host beloved BBC show as regular presenter struck down by illness

THE surprises on Gone Fishing don’t usually get much better than an unexpectedly large catch or a missing rod.

But I can reveal Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse’s BBC Two show has a real shake-up this Sunday after sickness hits the duo.

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Lee Mack was drafted in to film Gone FishingCredit: PA

Bob was struck down by shingles so could not visit Burgh Island, Devon to film – so they drafted in fellow comic Lee Mack.

A source said: “While it was nothing serious, producers thought it might be fun to bring in one of the lads’ friends to give Paul company.

“In the scenes, Bob FaceTimes Paul and tells him he has a special guest, before Lee wanders along.

“Lee was so up for it and brings a whole new energy to Gone Fishing.”

Bob underwent a triple heart bypass in 2015 when his heart stopped for 32 minutes after discovering that 95% of his arteries were blocked. 

Last September he worried fans when he revealed on Richard Herring’s podcast that just a few days after filming his “fishing show” he had to visit hospital and it was speculated that it was linked to his heart problems. 

His absence from episode five, however, was down to shingles – a rash-like skin infection triggered by the same virus that causes chicken pox, which is common in older people. 

The source added: “It was nothing serious at all, but being out filming all day in the wet isn’t nice even if you’ve got a mild cold, never mind shingles.”

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing has quietly become a huge hit for Bob and Paul and it is now on its sixth series.

It follows the pair as they reflect on life while taking fishing trips to various locations around Britain.

Lee mucked in for a trip to the tidal outcrop of Burgh Island on the south coast of Devon to fish for wrasse.

Keen to test the surrounding waters, Paul walks down to the beach, but is met with an unexpected but familiar face – Lee. 

They duo are also introduced to a new and unconventional fishing approach. 

See how they get on this Sunday at 9pm on BBC Two.

The hit angling show drew in more than four million viewers for its recent Christmas Special, and the BBC have already commissioned series seven, which will air in 2024.