Bob Mortimer Identifies Romesh Ranganathan as Primary Competition in Last One Laughing Season 2
As the highly anticipated second season of Amazon Prime Video's comedy phenomenon Last One Laughing prepares to launch, reigning champion Bob Mortimer has revealed his biggest threat among the new competitors. The 66-year-old comedian, who triumphed in the inaugural season of the hilarious game show, singled out fellow comic Romesh Ranganathan as the contestant he fears most in the upcoming battle of wits and willpower.
The Champion's Perspective on Season 2 Competition
Despite his previous victory and familiarity with the game's format, Bob Mortimer enters season two with cautious optimism. "I thought: 'He's going to hit me with something any minute now,'" Mortimer confessed when asked about facing Ranganathan. This sentiment was echoed by fellow contestant Diane Morgan, who noted that Ranganathan's particular brand of humor makes him especially dangerous in a competition where maintaining composure is paramount.
Diane Morgan, celebrated for her deadpan comedy as alter-ego Philomena Cunk, agreed with Mortimer's assessment, remarking that "when he looks sad it's even funnier" about Ranganathan. This combination of unpredictable humor and emotional delivery creates a potent challenge for any competitor trying to avoid laughter in the high-pressure environment.
Season One's Lasting Impact and Viral Moments
The first season of Last One Laughing, which debuted exactly one year ago, quickly became a cultural phenomenon that broke streaming records and generated numerous viral moments. Bob Mortimer's absurd song Slender People emerged as one of the most memorable highlights, nearly causing fellow contestant Daisy May Cooper to break character with its ridiculous lyrics about raspberry jam, lemon curd, and pâté.
During the season two launch event, Diane Morgan revealed to Mortimer that she had heard people humming his infectious tune on the street, demonstrating the song's lasting cultural impact. Comedian Maisie Adam, another season two competitor, further surprised Mortimer by informing him that his iconic phrase "Meat and cheeses always pleases" has been printed on merchandise including cards, tea towels, and T-shirts.
The Strategy of Survival in Last One Laughing
As the only veteran player returning for season two, Bob Mortimer has developed specific strategies for maintaining composure during the challenging game. He recommends that all contestants choose a "safety face" to revert to during difficult moments when laughter threatens to erupt. Diane Morgan employed this technique effectively during season one by sticking her bottom teeth forward in an underbite position to prevent herself from breaking character.
The comedians also discussed the controversial tactic of "running away" from situations that might provoke laughter. Diane Morgan admitted to employing this strategy after interactions with Mortimer but suggested it should warrant a yellow card penalty as a cheeky way to avoid cracking up. Host Jimmy Carr currently issues yellow cards when contestants laugh or smile for the first time during the competition.
Mutual Respect and Fear Among Competitors
Interestingly, the intimidation factor works both ways between Mortimer and Ranganathan. While Mortimer expressed apprehension about facing Ranganathan, the Weakest Link host revealed his own concerns about competing against the reigning champion. "I didn't want to see Bob Mortimer. And that's true," Ranganathan joked to Metro. "I've obviously seen him in the first series, and he's just so unpredictably funny. So I wasn't happy to see him in the slightest."
This mutual wariness extends beyond just these two competitors. Comedian Mel Giedroyc also identified Mortimer as "the one to watch" in the upcoming season, highlighting the champion's formidable presence and unpredictable comedic style that keeps all competitors on edge.
Cultural Recognition and Future Prospects
The impact of Last One Laughing extends beyond the streaming platform, with Mortimer's speed date segment with Richard Ayoade receiving a nomination for the 2026 Bafta TV Awards' Moments of the Year. This recognition places the show alongside other memorable television moments from acclaimed programs like Adolescence and Celebrity Traitors.
Looking beyond Last One Laughing, fans have expressed strong interest in seeing Bob Mortimer participate in other popular competition shows, particularly Celebrity Traitors. Although he didn't appear in the inaugural series of the BBC program, viewer demand remains high for his potential future involvement in the psychological game show format.
Last One Laughing season two launches on Thursday, March 19, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, promising another round of side-splitting comedy and intense competition as ten successful comedians battle to be the last person laughing while trying to make everyone else break character first.
