Bob Mortimer fears coronavirus pandemic will cut his life short by two years 

‘In lockdown I’ve done no exercise, eaten so much and drunk so much booze’: Bob Mortimer, 60, admits he fears coronavirus pandemic will cut his life short by two years

Bob Mortimer admits he fears the coronavirus pandemic will cut his life short by two years. 

The comedian, 60, underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 2015 when his heart was stopped for 32 minutes after discovering that 95% of his arteries were blocked.

Confessing he ditched his healthy lifestyle in lockdown, the Would I Lie to You? star said: ‘I’ve done no exercise, I’ve eaten so much and drunk so much booze. Lockdown has probably taken two years off of my life.’

‘In lockdown I’ve done no exercise’: Bob Mortimer admits he fears the coronavirus pandemic will cut his life short by two years (pictured last year)

The media personality also revealed his festive plans will follow suit as he told Radio Times: ‘It’ll be a normal Christmas – which is boozing, then eating, then boozing, then eating.’

In the Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas special, the TV star and his sidekick Paul Whitehouse, who also suffers from heart disease, discuss the importance of staying healthy.

On sharing his issues, the presenter said: ‘I’ve never spoken about these things to another person, female or male, to be honest. I’ve never found anyone who’s willing to listen.’

Health: The comedian, 60, underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 2015 after discovering that 95% of his arteries were blocked (pictured in 2019)

Health: The comedian, 60, underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 2015 after discovering that 95% of his arteries were blocked (pictured in 2019)

'Lockdown has probably taken two years off of my life': The Would I Lie to You? star confessed he ditched his healthy lifestyle in lockdown (pictured in 2019)

‘Lockdown has probably taken two years off of my life’: The Would I Lie to You? star confessed he ditched his healthy lifestyle in lockdown (pictured in 2019)

The Fast Show star Paul, 62, added: ‘It’s made us be a bit more socially responsible and a bit more aware of the people watching, rather than just a couple of idiots mucking about on a riverbank. We almost have to do something about men’s health.’ 

The comic previously recalled the time surrounding his operation, when he also decided to tie the knot to his long-term girlfriend Lisa Matthews.

Bob said at a press conference: ‘I found out I needed heart surgery on the Thursday, so I made a will on the Friday.

Awareness: In the Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas special, the TV star and Paul Whitehouse, who also suffers from heart disease, discuss the importance of health

Awareness: In the Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas special, the TV star and Paul Whitehouse, who also suffers from heart disease, discuss the importance of health

‘[I] found out I couldn’t get married to Lisa because you have to give 21 days notice. But my consultant said I was incredibly ill, so the registrar in London – I don’t live in London – gave me permission to get married on the Monday. 

‘I got married at half 9 on the Monday then went into hospital for the operation at 10.’

The intimate ceremony saw the newlyweds and their two sons – Harry, 22, and Tom, 21 – in attendance.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) clogs up the blood vessels and can lead to angina, strokes or heart attacks 

Coronary artery disease occurs when the major blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become damaged.

CAD affects more than 1.6million men and one million women in the UK, and a total of 15million adults in the US. 

It is usually due to plaque and inflammation.

When plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries, which decreases blood flow to the heart.

Over time this can cause angina, while a complete blockage can result in a heart attack.

Many people have no symptoms at first but as the plaque builds up they may notice chest pains or shortness of breath when exercising or stressed. 

Other causes of CAD include smoking, diabetes and an inactive lifestyle. 

It can be prevented by quitting smoking, controlling conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, staying active, eating well and managing stress. 

Drugs can help to lower cholesterol, while aspirin thins the blood to reduce the risk of clots.

In severe cases, stents can be put into the arteries to open them, while coronary bypass surgery creates a graft to bypass the blocked arteries using a vessel from another part of the body.

Source: Mayo Clinic