Paul Whitehouse Lets Bob Mortimer Revamp His Look on Gone Fishing

Paul Whitehouse agreed to a makeover from comedy partner Bob Mortimer during BBC's Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, as the pair discussed ageing and appearance while filming an episode centered on their fishing trip and overnight stay. The episode followed the friends fishing the River Wensum for roach, where they reflected on ageing and changes to their fitness. Bob decided to help Paul create a younger-looking appearance with hair-thickening products.

Bob Mortimer introduced his plan after noticing Paul's bald spot and said he wanted to help him recapture his youth.

"I acknowledge its existence, Bob," said Paul Whitehouse.

Paul Whitehouse showed little initial interest in changing his appearance, while Bob continued preparing his makeover attempt.

"I have bought with me all the kit I used to use to cover up when I had a bald spot and that," said Bob Mortimer. Bob Mortimer explained he had experience using products to cover thinning hair before taking a photograph of Paul's scalp.

"I have bought with me all the kit I used to use to cover up when I had a bald spot and that," said Bob Mortimer. Paul Whitehouse reacted after seeing the image Bob took of his bald spot.

"Yeah, that's bad," said Paul Whitehouse. Bob Mortimer then reassured Paul that the makeover could change his appearance. "But I can make that look… I can take 15 years off you," said Bob Mortimer.

Bob applied hair-thickening spray and powder while the pair prepared for a night out at the pub after staying in a disused train station.

"A lot of performers use this, Paul, and get away with it," said Bob Mortimer. Paul Whitehouse questioned the process while Bob worked on his hair, including whether his grey side sections should remain unchanged. "I don't worry about this too much," said Paul Whitehouse.

"I'm not doing this particularly for me Bob, but for all mankind. Are you actually a licensed practitioner?" said Paul Whitehouse.

Bob Mortimer responded that the treatment did not require professional licensing. "You don't need a licence, it's just a spray," said Bob Mortimer.

Paul Whitehouse joked about trusting Bob with the makeover before the treatment continued. "I'm slightly concerned that I'm leaving the coiffure to a halfwit with a spray can," said Paul Whitehouse.

Paul Whitehouse described his reaction as Bob applied the product and adjusted his hair. "Very disconcerting," said Paul Whitehouse. "You know my little swathes of grey at the side? Don't tamper with them because they give me a kind of gravitas." said Paul Whitehouse.

Paul Whitehouse compared the experience to an uncomfortable situation while waiting for an uncertain outcome.

"like being at the dentist without pain, you think something bad is gonna happen" said Paul Whitehouse. During the makeover, Paul questioned Bob's actions as the treatment continued. "What are you doing?" said Paul Whitehouse.

Bob Mortimer replied with a joke as he finished the transformation.

"I'm changing your life," said Bob Mortimer. After seeing the final result, Paul Whitehouse expressed surprise at the outcome.

"Cor, look at that," said Paul Whitehouse. "It's pretty good, isn't it." said Paul Whitehouse.