Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have paid an emotional tribute to their beloved canine companion Ted, who passed away this week after six years of appearing alongside the duo on screen. Ted, a Patterdale Terrier mix, rose to fame on the BBC series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, where comedians Bob, 66, and Paul, 67, travel across the UK to fish while sharing anecdotes about their lives.
A Fan Favourite on Screen
The much-loved dog first appeared on the BBC Two show in 2020 and cemented his status as a fan favourite during the Christmas Special in 2025, where Ted was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. Originally rescued from a Surrey dogs home in 2013 at six months old, Ted moved in with Lisa Clark, the executive producer of the show.
Emotional Tributes from the Stars
Following Ted's passing, Bob and Paul led heartfelt tributes. Bob 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 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."
Owner Lisa Clark concluded: "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 Jammy Dodgers from Bob and bait from Paul. He will be sorely missed both at home and on screen. We'll never forget him. He is survived at home by Bo the Briard."
Literary Success and Final Appearance
Ted authored two best-selling books, A Pawtobiography and Pup Fiction, and had a social media following of over 200,000. A third book is expected for release in 2026. His final television appearance will be in an upcoming episode of Gone Fishing, with the ninth series due to air later this year.
Fans React to the News
Since the announcement, fans have flooded social media with tributes. One wrote on Instagram: "News I never wanted to hear. Lovely Ted! Rest well, buddy, you were, and always will be, much loved by everyone." Another added: "This is so sad to see. He was an icon of the show, and the bond he had with Paul and Bob was lovely to see. Will be so sad not seeing him on our screens anymore."
The Show's Legacy
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing launched in 2018 and follows the two comedians on fishing trips across the UK, interspersed with conversations about health, family, and friendships. The show has welcomed celebrity guests such as Lee Mack and Ben Fogle. In 2024, Bob revealed he was unable to walk for half of the seventh series after contracting shingles, which left him with wasted muscles. He said: "I wasn't very well and it made it a bit of a struggle but, as always, Paul looked after me and pulled me through."
Bob's Health Challenges
Bob has been open about his health struggles, including a triple heart bypass in 2015 and rheumatoid arthritis. In December 2020, he admitted fearing the pandemic would shorten his life. Despite these challenges, the show continues to be commissioned, with an eighth series announced in June. Paul said: "I can't wait to get back to Gone Fishing with that other bloke in tow."
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
