Bob Mortimer has heart op but could make tour return in Leeds

Comedian Bob Mortimer has undergone a triple bypass heart operation.
Bob MortimerBob Mortimer
Bob Mortimer

The star, known for being one half of madcap comedy duo Vic and Bob alongside Vic Reeves, has had to cancel the first leg of the pair’s upcoming tour, which includes a date at Sheffield City Hall on November 24.

Mortimer, 56, had been due to take to the stage in Glasgow in a fortnight for the first show of 25 Years Of Reeves And Mortimer: The Poignant Moments but it now looks like the comedian may not now appear alongside his partner in crime until the new year. Their first gig of 2016 is at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on January 30.

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Neil Reading, spokesman for Mortimer, said: “Bob would like to thank his consultant and all the nursing staff at the hospital for looking after him so well.

“He now needs several weeks to fully recover, so unfortunately the first leg of the UK tour will be cancelled.

“Bob very much hopes to be fit and well enough to perform the second leg in January next year.”

Mortimer’s comedy partner Reeves said: “I’m so pleased the operation has gone well and Bob is fixed. Many thanks to the surgeon.”

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All ticket holders for performances from November 8 to December 4 are advised to contact their point of purchase for a full refund, and it is hoped the January and February 2016 shows will go ahead as planned.

The House Of Fools stars were planning to mark 25 years of performing together with the live show, which they promised would feature “some uplifting moments ... musical moments, maybe some magic ... (and) dancing styles”.

Elements from TV shows such as Vic Reeves Big Night Out and Shooting Stars were expected to feature, with characters like Man With The Stick, The Stotts, Mulligan and O’Hare.

When the tour was announced earlier this year, Mortimer said: “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us.”

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He added: “I will ensure that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise not to mention football, JLS or apricots during the performances. Should you choose to attend, be warned - I will be not be wearing a toupee.”