Blink scoops Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse book

Blink has signed Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse as the Bonnier Books UK imprint acquires rights to the comedy duo's new book. 

Blink senior editor Joel Simons has acquired UK & Commonwealth rights from Gordon Wise at Curtis Brown, on behalf of producer Owl Power and Greenbird TV, for Gone Fishing by Mortimer and Whitehouse, an accompaniment to the comedians’ BBC2 TV show, which returns in 2019.  The deal was brokered in association with agents Caroline Chignell for Mortimer and Alexandra Cann and Jacquie Drewe for Paul Whitehouse. 

Described as “a beguiling mix of gentle humour and hilarious conversation on life and death”, the book will see the pair “talk fish, equipment and locations, as well as health scares, love, friendship and growing old”.  

Simons said:  “The fish-meal pellets, the stink of the kit, the wander to the bank from the car, finding your 'spot'… this brilliant book from two of the country’s most cherished comedians will be a wonderfully light-hearted guide to the unique ways of the riverbank and the perfect complement to the splendid "Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing" TV series. Bob and Paul are your guides, your mates and your mentors, as they take to the rivers, have a daft laugh, and ponder some of life’s most important questions: How did we get so old? Where are all the fish? And what are your favourite pocket meats?  In short I’m over the moon to be publishing these absolute comedy greats.”

“My adventures on the riverbank with Paul have been some of the happiest times of my life,” said Mortimer. “I hope we have captured in this book the sheer joy that unfolds when two old duffers are allowed to fanny about on the bankside.”
 
Whitehouse added: “Bob has dragged himself off his sofa and the endless box sets to join me on the riverbank. We might catch some fish but we will definitely dive into the murky waters of life, heart health and self-pity.   Hey! Come with us...”

Blink will publish Gone Fishing in hardback and audio in May 2019