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Comedian Bob Mortimer underwent a triple heart bypass in 2015 (Image: GETTY)
British comedian Bob Mortimer shared details of his wedding to partner of 22 years Lisa Matthews, which took place just half an hour before he underwent a triple heart bypass.
With Mortimer admitted to hospital and due to undergo risky life-saving surgery, the couple were granted a special marriage licence, allowing the ceremony to take place before his operation.
In an interview which has recently resurfaced on social media, Mortimer explained he was so “incredibly ill” that the London registrar granted special permissions allowing the union to take place.
As a result of his poor heart health, Mortimer was also forced to cancel the first leg of his 25th anniversary UK tour alongside fellow comedian Vic Reeves.
Speaking at a 2016 comedy tour press conference, Mortimer explained his heart trouble “came completely out of the blue” and he had initially thought he was suffering from a severe chest infection.
He said: “I found out I needed heart surgery on the Thursday, so I made a will on the Friday.
“I found out I couldn’t get married to Lisa because you have to give 21 days’ notice. My consultant said I was incredibly ill so the registrar in London gave me permission to get married on the Monday.
“I got married at half nine on the Monday and went to hospital at 10 to have the operation.”
Due to his heart problems, Mortimer was also forced to cancel part of his tour with Vic Reeves (Image: GETTY)
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Following his initial visit to the doctor, Mortimer went under the knife just five days later after doctors discovered his arteries were 95 percent blocked.
In a post dedicated to his wife on X, formerly known as Twitter, the comedian described his partner as “the love of my life”.
The couple have two sons together, Harry and Tom, and their children were the only guests to attend the last-minute ceremony.
Mortimer explained: “There was just me, the wife and our two kids in the registry office, that’s it.”
In the wake of his major heart surgery, Mortimer has continued to lead a hugely successful comedy career, with regular television appearances and recent rumours of a possible reunion show alongside Vic Reeves.
English (US) ·