Bob Mortimer Becomes a Fan Favorite on Viral Comedy Show

LONDON, England — Bob Mortimer, 65, has been dubbed a “national treasure” by fans after a clip from his latest show, “Last One Laughing UK,” went viral. The show, available on Prime Video, features a unique premise where contestants must spend six hours together without laughing, or risk elimination.

In addition to Mortimer, the show features a lineup of comedians including Daisy May Cooper, Joe Lycett, Judi Love, Rob Beckett, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Joe Wilkinson, Harriet Kemsley, and Richard Ayoade. Hosted by Jimmy Carr and Roisin Conaty, the series aims to test the resilience of its comedians amidst a backdrop of hilarity.

Since the first four episodes aired on March 20, 2025, Mortimer has emerged as one of the breakout stars. A clip showcasing his low-budget magic performance has garnered over two million views on Instagram. In this segment, set to Queen‘s “A Kinda Magic,” Mortimer appears to make a tea towel levitate using clever props, eventually resulting in a toy chick emerging from a handbag, which sends Carr and Conaty into laughter.

“It’s magic,” Mortimer whispers during his act, further increasing the comedic tension. Contestants Cooper, Ayoade, and Wilkinson visibly struggle to maintain their composure, adding to the clip’s viral success.

Viewers have taken to social media to express their affection for Mortimer’s humor. One fan tweeted, “This man is a national treasure.” Another noted, “I lasted about 4 seconds before I started laughing,” while a third quipped, “It’s only a matter of time before we call you Sir Robert Mortimer.”

The concept of “Last One Laughing” first originated in Japan in 2016 under the title “Documental.” Since then, it has been adapted in various countries, including Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, South Africa, and Brazil.

Mortimer, who has faced health challenges in recent years, previously underwent heart surgery in 2015, requiring a wheelchair during the filming of his show “Gone Fishing.” He spoke candidly about his recent bout with shingles, a skin infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, in September 2022. Despite these struggles, Mortimer continues to thrive in his comedic career.

Jimmy Carr, speaking about “Last One Laughing UK,” said, “I’m thrilled to be making this show with Prime Video. The last one laughing wins, and it’s been a huge hit around the world.” Carr illustrated the competitive yet hilarious nature of the series, where ten comedians challenge each other to keep a straight face.

The existing comedic talent in the show brings a diverse range of styles, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and risk. Mortimer himself admitted to RadioTimes.com that maintaining composure proved more difficult than anticipated: “I thought it would be easy not to laugh… [It’s] just a strange atmosphere, I was really struggling in the beginning.”

As the finale approaches, excitement builds among the audience. The final two episodes are scheduled to air on March 27, 2025, and viewers are eager to see who will ultimately win this comedic battle.

In summary, “Last One Laughing UK” has successfully captured the attention of audiences, melding humor and competition into a memorable comedy experience.