Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse return to our screens for the eighth series of their award-winning BBC Two show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. The new series begins at 9 pm on Sunday, 26 October 2025, with all episodes also available on BBC iPlayer.
Following the success of Series 7, this latest instalment promises even more warmth, honesty and quiet comedy as the pair explore rivers that have shaped their lives.
A More Personal Journey
Series 8 brings a noticeably reflective tone, with each of its six episodes chosen for personal significance rather than species-targeting. Bob and Paul revisit rivers that connect them to family, friends and moments from the past. “It’s a slightly different approach,” Bob told the BBC. “We wanted to pick the places that personally meant something to us rather than just focusing on species of fish.”
Paul returns to Wales to retrace childhood trips with his father, while Bob revisits Manchester to reconnect with an old friend he hasn’t seen in more than 25 years. There’s also a stop at the River Itchen in Hampshire, one of Paul’s favourite chalk streams, where he marks his birthday week trying to tempt a wild brown trout.
The result, Paul says, is “a little bit more heartfelt – it’s about people, places and memories as much as the fishing itself.”
Across the series, the duo target wild brown trout, grayling and sea trout while cooking, chatting and reflecting. Bob even cuts Paul’s hair on camera, later joking that he may be “a better hairdresser than fisherman.”
In Wales, they embark on their first night-time session, with Bob catching a rare sea trout in total darkness. “It felt a bit sinister,” he admitted. “You can’t see where you’re casting, but it really gets you in the zone.”
Paul’s highlight came early on the River Itchen, where he landed a pristine grayling. “They call them the lady of the stream,” he said. “They’re beautiful fish and a good sign for the health of our rivers.”
Their faithful companion Ted remains central to the charm of the show, even if he now prefers to watch proceedings from his pram. “He still enjoys himself,” Bob said, “but he’s slowed down a bit.” Ted’s press-pack “interview” revealed his highlight was a canine massage in Herefordshire, and his dream casting choice to play him on film would be Daniel Craig — “we’re both charismatic and love a dirty martini.”
Age, Health and Humour
Now in their sixties, both men are open about ageing and health challenges. Bob continues to recover from shingles, while Paul reflects on how the series helps them stay grounded. “We’re not as fast or strong as we used to be,” Bob said, “but the joy of being out there together hasn’t changed.”
Their mix of light-hearted teasing and gentle philosophy continues to strike a chord with audiences. “Sometimes,” Paul added, “if we shut up, it’s just as lovely — if not lovelier.”
📺 Series 8 Episode Guide
| Episode | Title & Location | Air Date | Time | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | River Itchen, Hampshire – Wild Brown Trout | Sunday 26 October 2025 | 9 pm | Paul celebrates his birthday on one of his favourite chalk streams, meeting actor and angler James Murray to discuss campaigns to protect Britain’s salmon and chalk rivers. |
| 2 | Rivers Towy & Cothi, Carmarthenshire – Sea Trout | Sunday 2 November 2025 | 9 pm | A nostalgic return to Paul’s boyhood fishing grounds in Wales as the pair venture into darkness to target sea trout under starlight. |
| 3 | Manchester & Cheshire | Sunday 9 November 2025 | 9 pm | Bob heads back to his old stomping ground and reunites with a long-lost friend, sharing memories, laughter and reflection. |
| 4 | Herefordshire | Sunday 16 November 2025 | 9 pm | Stunning countryside, soulful chat and Ted’s much-deserved spa treatment combine for one of the gentlest episodes of the run. |
| 5 | Wales | Sunday 23 November 2025 | 9 pm | Paul leads another nostalgic trip through Welsh waters, reconnecting with the places that first sparked his love of fishing. |
| 6 | Scottish Highlands | Sunday 30 November 2025 | 9 pm | The series finale features spectacular scenery on the River Findhorn, rounding off the season with humour and reflection in equal measure. |
A Likely Christmas Special
As with previous years, fans can expect the traditional Christmas Special to follow in December, a festive one-off that typically blends winter landscapes with the pair’s trademark humour and sentimentality.
The Music and the Magic
Music once again plays a key role in setting the show’s tone. Long-time editor Doug Bryson curates the soundtrack alongside Bob and Paul, mixing classics with personal favourites. “Most of the music Doug picks is just perfect,” Bob said. “Then we might ask him to try a bit of Bryan Ferry here or something else there — it’s a real collaboration.”
That collaborative spirit extends to the whole crew. “It’s a proper family now,” Paul added. “Most of the team have been with us since the start, and that makes it special.”
Watch Now
🎣 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Series 8 airs every Sunday at 9 pm from 26 October to 30 November 2025 on BBC Two, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.