Paul Whitehouse and MBE-honoured wife's 'utterly fascinating' living situation


Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing star Paul Whitehouse doesn't have a conventional living situation with his long-time wife


Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
52 minutes ago

Paul Whitehouse, 68, is back on our screens on Sunday with a new series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. The star has been with his wife Dr. Mine Conkbayir for over 20 years, and they've been married since 2019, but there's one thing that's unconventional about their relationship, and that's the fact they don't live in the same house. 

The pair have been open about their living arrangements, and when they featured on Loose Women, presenter Charlene White quizzed them about it. Asking if Mine's ADHD was part of the reason the couple live apart, Charlene admitted she found it "utterly fascinating". 

The 46-year-old seemed to agree that her condition plays a part in the decision. "We're very different in terms of sensory stimulation," Mine said, confessing she likes lights, TV and noise at bedtime, while Paul is the opposite. 

Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch© Mike Marsland/WireImage
Paul Whitehouse has had a busy acting and comedic career

Mine clarified: "It works brilliantly, I don't want anyone in my bed other than a little Ppomeranian puppy. I'm very happy that way." Paul also joked that every single married person is interested in the set-up, hinting that they may like the set-up too. 

Setting the record straight, Paul explained exactly how far apart they live - watch in the clip above.

Writing in The Independent, Mine explained that it's not just her who benefits from having a separate house. Speaking about her husband, she declared it is "good for him, let him have his own space". Adding: "I'm sure it's the only thing that keeps him sane."

Mine's successful career away from the cameras 

Mine Conkbayir and Paul Whitehouse posing at event© Dave Benett/Getty Images
The couple have been together for over 20 years

While Paul is a British television icon who has also appeared in many films, some may not recognise his wife, but she has a very successful career behind the scenes. Dr. Mine is an author, researcher and lecturer in the fields of early childhood education and neuroscience. She also has her own podcast, centred around ADHD, called 'I'm ADHD! No You're Not.'

In 2025, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours list for her contributions to early years education, a cause that's particularly close to the heart of Princess Catherine. 

Paul and Mine's family life 

Paul was previously married to Fiona Wightman from 1992 until their divorce in 2003. The comedian has four daughters, he shares Molly and Sophie with Fiona, his first wife, Lauren, with with costume designer Natalie Rogers and teenager Delilah, with wife, Mine. 

It is believed Delilah lives with her mother in North London, which is within close proximity to her father's property. 

More Homes
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.