29 September 2023 , 11:12
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Comedian Lee Mack has stepped in to replace Bob Mortimer on Gone Fishing this Sunday, after the star was struck down by shingles - but what actually is the painful condition?
The BBC Two programme follows lifelong pals Bob and Paul Whitehouse as they embark on a fishing adventure about the UK and visit picturesque landscapes. But disaster hit the duo as Bob developed the virus so he could not travel to Burgh Island in Devon to film.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “While it was nothing serious, producers thought it might be fun to bring in one of the lads’ friends to give Paul company. In the scenes, Bob FaceTimes Paul and tells him he has a special guest, before Lee wanders along.”
According to the NHS, people with the shingles infection will suffer from a painful rash. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Shingles can be contracted at any age, but complications can occur in people with weakened immune systems.
The health body adds that at least nine in ten adults carry the virus after previously having chicken pox during their childhood. It is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which never actually 'goes away' and hides within us before 'breaking out' as shingles.
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The Shingles Support Society (SSS) highlights that red patches are usually the first sign of the rash appearing, but there can often be itching, tingling or burning under the skin, pain around the area and 'fluid-filled blisters' that burst and turn into sores before they dry out. Warning signs can sometimes strike a few days before the painful rash, these include a headache, high temperature, and a feeling of being generally unwell, says NHS Inform.
Shingles symptoms
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
Rash: Shingles often presents as a rash that appears as a band or strip of red, blistered skin, usually on one side of the body or face. The rash can be painful and it may itch.
Pain: Pain is a common symptom of shingles and can be severe. The feeling can be described as burning, tingling, or shooting and may be localised to the area where the rash appears.
Sensitivity to touch: The skin affected by the shingles rash may be sensitive to touch, and even light touch or pressure can cause pain.
Blistering: The rash may develop into fluid-filled blisters that can break open and crust over. The blisters are usually limited to the area where the rash appears and do not cross the midline of the body.
Itching: Some people with shingles may experience itching or tingling before the rash appears.
Flu-like symptoms: In some cases, people with shingles may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and chills.
Nerve-related symptoms: Shingles can affect the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the area where the rash appears.
If you are experiencing symptoms listed above, be sure to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
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Bob’s absence from the upcoming show follows his triple heart bypass surgery in 2015, when his heart stopped for 32 minutes. He discovered that 95 percent of his arteries were blocked. Last year, the 64-year-old revealed he is at a high risk of more than 20 cancers due to his weight gain and declared he is on a “mission” to decrease his 102cm waist size for health reasons.
Speaking on Richard Herring’s podcast last September, the comedian said he had to visit the hospital and fans were concerned that it was linked to heart problems. The source added: "It was nothing serious at all, but being out filming all day in the wet isn't nice even if you've got a mild cold, never mind shingles."
This weekend, viewers can see Paul and Lee fish for wrasse on the tidal outcrop of Burgh Island on the south coast of Devon. Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is now on its sixth series. The next episode will be aired on Sunday, October 1 at 9pm on BBC Two.