Alex Jones was visibly upset as Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse appeared on The One Show to discuss the upcoming series of Gone Fishing and preview the Christmas special. The presenter admitted she "can't bear it" knowing that Ted the terrier, the show's beloved canine companion, will only feature in the opening episode of the ninth series.
During Thursday's episode (22 October), the comedy duo joined hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp to talk about what viewers can expect from the new run, which launches on television this weekend. They also confirmed that Ted will receive a "proper send off" in the festive special broadcast in December.
Emotional Farewell to Ted
Alex said: "We have to talk about this series being the last time - can't bear it - that we are doing to see lovely Ted the terrier," as Bob interjected. "So sad," reports the Mirror.
The presenter continued: "Oh it's sad - he always stole the show didn't he?" Bob replied: "He was amazing wasn't he? He was so disinterested in us." He then hinted at what audiences might expect, saying: "And so he's only in one show this new series and then for Christmas we give him a proper send off." Paul added: "The first episode is our farewell to Ted and yeah he's extraordinary. We'll really miss him."
New Series Preview
The ninth season of the popular BBC Two programme will once more follow the duo as they traverse some of Britain's stunning countryside, casting their lines in various lakes, rivers and canals. As they discussed some of the destinations visited during the series, Bob remarked: "We love showing the UK at its best, it's nice, makes a change."
On Monday (October 19), the BBC took to Instagram to unveil the new series with an entertaining first-look teaser. The brief clip was captioned: "Bob and Paul are back - and there's time for one last fish with Ted." In the footage, Bob can be heard asking Paul to "put some music on" and "find something decent" as they travel through breathtaking countryside. The clip then cuts to Ted drinking from a river, before the cherished pet turns to face the camera and licks his nose.
Broadcast Details
The two comedy icons are subsequently seen fly-fishing and sea-fishing, before appearing alongside a stunning waterfall, after which they cycle along a road wearing high-visibility jackets and laughing heartily. The One Show is on BBC One weekdays at 7pm and BBC iPlayer. Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing airs Sunday at 9pm on BBC Two.
