Paul Whitehouse mugged while buying wife’s medicine

Comedian Paul Whitehouse, 68, was the victim of an attempted mugging while purchasing medication for his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir, in Islington on Essex Road near a Sainsbury's Local ^[1]. The incident occurred after Dr Conkbayir had a bad reaction to medical treatment, leaving her unwell and prompting her husband to run the errand last night ^[2].

Whitehouse reportedly fought back and managed to retrieve his card, with the suspect fleeing empty-handed ^[1]. Dr Conkbayir, who married Whitehouse in 2019, took to Instagram to share the ordeal, stating she initially stayed silent out of respect for her husband. She later said he was frustrated and asked her to post the account to raise awareness about street safety ^[2].

She urged the public to be 'super vigilant' while out, noting that the attack left her husband 'just p****d off' and upset that no one intervened during the incident ^[1]. While support poured in from fellow celebrities including Jim Howick, Angela Barnes, and Colin McFarlane, the claim that no one helped during the mugging has not been confirmed ^[2].

Whitehouse, best known for The Fast Show and Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, has a history of health challenges, including coronary heart disease and three stents fitted in 2015 ^[1]. He is currently considering reporting the incident to the police.

The story has drawn widespread attention, with over 19,300 likes on Dr Conkbayir’s post ^[1]. Her message emphasized the importance of awareness, not just for her husband’s experience, but for all those walking alone in public spaces ^[2]. The story was first reported by Mirror and Daily Star.