Gone Fishing returns to BBC Two on Sunday 25 October for its ninth series, with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse heading to Lancashire to fish the River Ribble in an opening episode that marks the final appearance of beloved dog Ted.
Comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are back with the ninth season of the popular BBC Two show, following the pair as they journey through some of Britain's countryside and cast their lines in diverse lakes, rivers and canals.
New series announced on Instagram
On Monday 19 October, the BBC unveiled the new series of Gone Fishing with an entertaining first-look teaser and revealed that the opening episode will broadcast on Sunday 25 October on BBC Two, with fresh instalments to follow weekly.
In the brief footage, captioned: "Bob and Paul are back - and there's time for one last fish with Ted", Bob can be heard requesting Paul to "put some music on" and "find something decent" while travelling through spectacular countryside. The footage then switches to beloved dog Ted lapping water from a river before the adored pet gazes straight at the camera and licks his nose.
The two comic legends are subsequently spotted fly-fishing and sea-fishing, and are positioned beside a magnificent waterfall before they cycle down a road, sporting high-vis jackets and chuckling.
Fans react to the show's comeback
Gone Fishing enthusiasts were quick to express their delight at the programme's comeback, with one person commenting: "I absolutely cannot wait for the new series! Love, love love these guys."
A second commented: "Yessss finally", while a third chimed in: "Hooray! Very much looking forward to this."
"So pleased its back just love this programme and you too", gushed one delighted viewer, while another shared the same feeling: "Hurrah something decent to watch on Sunday."
Final appearance of beloved dog Ted
In the opening episode, Paul and Bob will be accompanied by beloved dog Ted for the final occasion as they head to Lancashire to angle in the River Ribble before travelling onwards to Norfolk for the second episode, where the pair fish stunning lakes for bream.
The opening episode is expected to tug at heartstrings, marking the final appearance of their beloved four-legged companion, Ted, who passed away earlier this year. The charismatic dog became the programme's adored third member after being rehomed from a rescue centre in 2013 by the show's producer, Lisa Clark.
The Patterdale Terrier even maintained his own Instagram profile, which has accumulated nearly 300k followers, reports the Express.
Taking to social media in April, Bob, 67, confirmed Ted's death with a heartfelt tribute, and wrote: "So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much... and away boss."
Meanwhile, Paul, 68, 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."
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing airs Sunday at 9pm on BBC Two.
