Bob Mortimer cancels Glasgow show after heart op

COMIC Bob Mortimer has undergone a triple heart bypass, forcing him and comedy partner Vic Reeves to cancel the first leg of their upcoming tour in Glasgow.

Bob Mortimer, left, with comedy partner Vic Reeves. Picture: Getty Images

The star, best known for being one half of the madcap duo had been due to take to the stage in Glasgow in a fortnight for 25 Years Of Reeves And Mortimer: The Poignant Moments at the Clyde Auditorium next month.

He will spend the next few weeks recuperating in hospital and it is hoped he will recover in time to take to the stage for the 25th anniversary tour dates in January. Mortimer already suffers from chronic arthritis, which he has said could leave him in a wheelchair.

His spokesman Neil Reading 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.”

Comedy partner Reeves, real name James Moir, said: “I’m so pleased the operation has gone well and Bob is fixed. Many thanks to the surgeon.”

Messages of support poured in for the House of Fools and Shooting Stars comic on social media yesterday from celebrities including stand-up Jack Dee, actor/writer Mark Gatiss and Pointless host Richard Osman. One close friend, Bafta winning actor Matt Berry, said Mortimer was “recovering well”, and added that he would be paying him a visit on Friday “with best wishes & bad language”.

All ticket holders for performances from 8 November to 4 December 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 comic duo 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”.

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

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