Bob Mortimer has made a brutally honest confession about life after his emergency triple heart bypass — and it’s left fans both shocked and strangely moved

After having an emergency triple heart bypass, Bob Mortimer was told to cut right down on his cheese consumption - but the comedian and presenter admits would rather take his chances

The 66-year-old comedian, who survived a near-fatal cardiac event in 2015 when his heart stopped for 32 minutes, has admitted he’s choosing happiness over strict medical rules, even when those rules could extend his life.

“I’d rather take my chances”

After doctors discovered that 95% of his arteries were blocked, Mortimer was ordered to drastically reduce one of his greatest joys: cheese

Mortimer underwent bypass surgery in 2015 when his heart stopped for 32 minutes - he later discovered that 95 per cent of his arteries were blocked

“The dietitian said I could have a matchbox-sized piece a week,” he recalled. “It broke my heart. Some people probably stick to it — but I think I’m in the group who’d rather have three years less.”

His refusal to follow the guidelines adds an unexpected twist to a health journey already packed with battles. Mortimer has previously spoken openly about living with arthritis, and last summer he was unable to walk after contracting shingles while filming his BBC series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

Last summer, he was unable to walk after contracting shingles while filming his BBC show, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

A man forever changed by a brush with death

Speaking on Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake earlier this year, Mortimer shared how his near-death experience shifted his entire perspective on time and mortality.

“I don’t feel scared about death,” he said. “I just feel frustrated thinking I won’t see how stories end — my children’s, my wife’s, football, everything happening in the world.”

He even described a surreal moment when he felt himself drifting toward “the light at the end of the tunnel”:

“I was going towards it, feeling happier than I’ve ever felt. It was extraordinary. Then I woke up the next day and I was OK. I thought, ‘This is great — I no longer fear death.’”

Mortimer has been open about his health in the past and has previously spoken about his triple heart bypass surgery and struggles with arthritis

A wedding moments before surgery

In one of the most dramatic turns in his story, Mortimer revealed he married his long-time partner Lisa Matthews just 30 minutes before his life-saving operation. Doctors warned him urgently, and by Monday morning, an emergency exemption allowed the couple to wed at 9:30am — with Mortimer entering surgery at 10am.

Lockdown fears and unwavering humour

Mortimer has also spoken candidly about his arthritis and how the 2020 lockdown affected his health:
“I’ve done no exercise, eaten so much, drunk so much booze. Lockdown probably took two years off my life.”

And yet, amid every scare, every diagnosis, every dramatic twist… one thing hasn’t changed: his sharp humour — and his unapologetic devotion to cheese.