Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing returns to BBC Two on Sunday, October 25, for a new series. The opening episode will be emotional as it marks the final appearance of Ted, the beloved Patterdale Terrier who died earlier this year.
The programme follows comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse as they fish across the UK's countryside in lakes, rivers, and canals. The duo share laughter and honest conversations about aging and friendship. Locations in this series hold personal meaning for either Paul or Bob, allowing them to explore their histories and recall memories.
Series Nine Premiere Details
The programme first launched in 2018 and has become known for discussions about mortality, partly because both hosts have faced cardiac health challenges. In the opening episode of series nine, Paul and Bob are accompanied by Ted for the final time as they fish in the River Ribble in Lancashire. The second instalment takes them to Norfolk, where they fish for bream in stunning lakes.
Ted was rescued from a dog home in 2013 by the show's producer, Lisa Clark. The dog maintained his own Instagram account, which has amassed nearly 300,000 followers.
Tributes to Ted
In April, Bob, 67, confirmed Ted's passing with a touching tribute on social media, writing: "So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much... and away boss".
Paul, 68, posted: "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."
Fan Reactions to the Return
On Instagram this Monday (October 19), the BBC announced the new series with a first-look trailer. The teaser shows Bob asking Paul to "put some music on" and "find something decent" while travelling through countryside. The footage then shows Ted drinking from a river before looking at the camera and licking his nose. The duo are shown fly-fishing, sea-fishing, and beside a waterfall before cycling along a road in high-visibility jackets.
Fans expressed delight at the programme's return, with one viewer writing: "I absolutely cannot wait for the new series! Love, love love these guys." Another added: "Yessss finally", while a third responded: "Hooray! Very much looking forward to this."
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing airs Sunday at 9pm on BBC Two.
