Actor and comedian Paul Whitehouse fought off an attacker who tried to steal his bank card at an Islington cash machine on Friday night. The 68-year-old television star recovered his card after a brief struggle while out running errands for his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir, who later shared details of the incident on social media.
The incident took place behind a local Sainsbury’s on Essex Road in Islington as Whitehouse stepped out to obtain medical supplies. Dr Conkbayir had experienced an adverse reaction to a medical treatment earlier that day, leaving her feeling unwell and prompting her husband’s late-night errand to the cashpoint.
Instead of yielding to the thief, the comedian resisted the attempt. The assailant fled empty-handed after the actor successfully wrestled his card back from the perpetrator.
Instagram Revelation and Public Warning from Dr Mine Conkbayir
Initially, the couple kept quiet about the encounter out of respect, but Whitehouse remained frustrated after returning home from taking their daughter to football, still frustrated. Recognizing the prevalence of street crime, he agreed to let his wife publicize the attack to alert neighbors and shoppers in north London.
🚨📰 Actor and ComedianPaul WhiteHouse mugged at cashpoint in LondonWhitehouse was fetching medicine for his wife at the time of the mugging The mugging occurred at a Cashpoint on Essex Road in Islington. pic.twitter.com/EmvumRgfuH
Well, a horrid start to the weekend, would be an understatement. Yesterday, I had a bad reaction to some treatment, which has left me feeling rather rotten. So, last night, Paul dashed out to get me some meds. He was mugged on Essex Road (Islington) – at the cashpoint beside the Sainsbury’s Local. He did fight back and retrieved his card, with the perp scuttling away empty-handed. But that’s not the point, is it. I kept shtum, out of respect, but he just came over, having taken our daughter to football, still frustrated. I asked whether he’d like me to post – he said yes – in the hope that it might help folk to be more aware when out and about. So, please, everyone – I don’t mean to patronise, but please be super vigilant out there.
Dr Mine Conkbayir, via Instagram
Dr Conkbayir later noted in comment replies that no bystanders intervened during the altercation. She and Whitehouse are considering reporting the incident to police, though she expressed skepticism based on past experiences with law enforcement responses to street theft.
Outpouring of Support from Friends and Comedy Colleagues
Celebrity friends, actors, and comedy peers quickly filled the comments section of the social media post with messages of solidarity and relief. Actor Colin McFarlane shared his own experience of being targeted at a London cash machine, emphasizing the lingering psychological shock that follows such confrontations.
Actor Georgina Hagen expressed her sympathy, writing that the event was awful and thanking goodness the comedian was ok. Deborah Frances-White, host of the Guilty Feminist podcast, also extended her best wishes to the couple.
Tour Announcements and Upcoming Television Projects for Whitehouse
The attempted robbery arrives amid a busy professional period for Whitehouse. The 68-year-old performer is slated to return to stage and screen across multiple high-profile projects. Next year, he will reunite with Charlie Higson, Simon Day, John Thomson, Mark Williams, and Arabella Weir for a 23-date UK and Ireland theatre tour celebrating the sketch series The Fast Show.
Audiences attending the live tour can expect appearances from classic characters and catchphrases.