Viewers of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing have said they are 'gutted' and 'done in' after the latest episode included a tribute to Ted the dog, who died earlier this year. Many fans have called the late Patterdale Terrier cross the 'real star of the show' and said it will never be the same without him.
The ninth series of the BBC Two programme opened on Sunday (October 25), with all episodes now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The first instalment follows comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse as they walk along the river Ribble, which flows through the Yorkshire Dales and into Lancashire before reaching the Irish Sea at Lytham.
The final appearance of Ted the dog
With the waterway in good condition, the pair hoped to land a chub or a barbel, while Bob brought his slow cooker to prepare a traditional Lancashire hotpot. The episode proved especially moving because it marked the last appearance of Ted, who had been a regular fixture throughout the series.
Ted, a Patterdale Terrier cross, was rescued in 2013 by Lisa Clark, one of the programme's producers, and became a much-loved third member of the cast. Speaking about the new series on The One Show, Bob said: "He was amazing wasn't he? He was so disinterested in us. And so he's only in one show this new series."
Paul added: "The first episode is our farewell to Ted and yeah he's extraordinary. We'll really miss him."
Viewers pay tribute to the 'real star'
Viewers at home quickly became emotional, with many sharing their own tributes online. One wrote: "Oh Ted that episode did make me cry. You were so sprightly in it. Run free and enjoy the rivers." Another added: "Can't cope. The first bar of The Divine Comedy and I was a puddle. My terrier was bewildered by a sudden attack of the cuddles."
Someone else admitted: "Love Gone Fishing. Most beautiful show on TV. But the loss of Ted has really done me in." One viewer replied: "The last time we saw Ted Gone Fishing Paul and Bob are great but it won't be the same without Ted."
Numerous dog owners said they watched the episode with their own pets. One person said: "Just watched tonight's episode in our beautiful Lancashire with my lovely dog Molly. Miss you Ted."
Christmas special planned
The episode ended with a title card dedicated to Ted's memory. One fan wrote: "Oh Ted, it just won't be the same without you. Always the star of the show." Another added: "Gutted. He was the real star of the show. Hope Ted is having many a happy adventure trying to find his briefcase over the rainbow bridge."
Despite the sadness, many celebrated the show's run. One viewer declared: "Possibly the best show on TV, sheer brilliance! ! RIP Ted. Played a blinder!"
Fans have been told that Ted will receive a 'proper send off' in the upcoming Christmas special, due to air in December. Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
