The cult comedy duo Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer are not splitting up, according to the BBC, but they do plan to take time off.

Famous for their anarchic TV shows Shooting Stars and The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, the two were reported to be going their separate ways after 13 years together.

But a BBC spokesperson said: "There's no question of them splitting up, but they may well be taking some time off following their recent intensive filming schedule."

"They've been filming back to back for the last two years, they probably need a break."

The double act are currently working on a revival of the 1960s detective show Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) for the BBC as well as fronting a new quiz show called Families at War.

In an interview with Women's Own magazine they said they plan to spend some time apart after the end of their current series - but made it clear they intend to return to TV at some point.

Mortimer: 'I want to put my feet up'

Mortimer said he didn't think that some absence from the nation's TV screens would harm the their popularity.

"In the early Nineties we took two and a half years off between Big Night Out and The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, and things worked out alright then.

"It wasn't as if TV companies had forgotten who we were when we went back to work."

Mortimer, who has two sons, aged two and nine months, said he wants to take more time off to spend with his family.

"I don't always get the chance to spend as much time with my family as I would like. Hopefully later this year I'll be able to put that right."

Reeves: 'I've always wanted to be a trawlerman'

While Mortimer spends time pottering about at home, Reeves may embark on other projects.

"I'd have a go at serious acting if I was offered a decent role. I wouldn't mind appearing in a period piece because I like watching that kind of programme on TV. I thought Hornblower was great."

With his tongue firmly in his cheek he added: "Actually if you really want to know the honest truth, I've always wanted to be a trawlerman rather than a TV personality.

"I used to wear galoshes and eats lots of fish."