Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse lead tributes to beloved Gone Fishing dog Ted
Comedian Bob Mortimer has expressed his deep sadness following the death of Ted, the canine star of the BBC series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. Ted first appeared in the show during its third series in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite. He was even awarded a lifetime achievement award during the 2025 Christmas special.
Mortimer, 66, said: 'So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much… and away, boss.' Paul Whitehouse, 67, added: 'Bye bye, Ted, old friend. He wasn’t a dog; he was a species all of his own. He’s gone to the great briefcase emporium in the sky. We will really miss you, mate.'
Ted, credited as the author of two books, Pawtobiography and Pup Fiction, will make his final appearance in the upcoming ninth series. Lisa Clark, the show's executive producer and Ted's owner, said: 'Ted was a much-loved family pet as well as a treasured companion to Paul and Bob on Gone Fishing. He took fame in his little stride and loved nothing better than messing around on the riverbanks, nicking Jammie Dodgers from Bob and bait from Paul.' She added that 'he will be sorely missed both at home and on screen' and that they will 'never forget him'. Ted is survived at home by Bo the Briard.
Fans also paid tribute. @PKendrickWIG called Ted 'an integral part of the utterly brilliant show', while @lecrin said they watched 'mainly for Ted'. @Wrestle_G wrote: 'Absolutely gutted. Ted made the duo into a trio and his look could make me chuckle.' @HowHauntedPod added: 'RIP Ted, you were a good boy, and you will always be a legend.'
Ted was rescued from a dog's home in Surrey in spring 2013 when he was about six months old and went to live with Clark. The BBC Two series, which began in 2018, sees Whitehouse and Mortimer discuss life while fishing. It has been nominated six times for a BAFTA TV Award and has been filmed across the UK and Ireland, including Norfolk, Donegal, the River Dee in North Wales, and Dumfries and Galloway.
