Fans of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing are preparing for an emotional goodbye after the BBC confirmed beloved terrier Ted will make one final posthumous appearance in the upcoming ninth series of the hit show.
The much-loved Patterdale Terrier mix sadly passed away this week at the age of 13, leaving viewers devastated after years of scene-stealing appearances alongside comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.
But in a bittersweet twist, the BBC revealed that Ted had already filmed an episode for the new season before his death — meaning audiences will get to see the iconic canine on screen one final time later this year.
The announcement immediately sparked an emotional reaction online, with many fans now calling for Ted to be included in the TV BAFTAs’ In Memoriam segment when the ceremony airs on May 10.
Ted first appeared on Gone Fishing in 2020 after being rescued from a Surrey dogs’ home by executive producer Lisa Clark when he was just six months old. What began as a small cameo soon turned Ted into one of the programme’s most adored stars.
Viewers fell in love with his wonky smile, mischievous personality and habit of stealing Jammie Dodgers from Bob while roaming the riverbanks with Paul.
Over the years, Ted became far more than just a background dog on the show. He even earned a Lifetime Achievement Award during the programme’s 2025 Christmas special and built a huge social media following of more than 200,000 fans.
Ted also became a publishing success story, releasing two bestselling books titled A Pawtobiography and Pup Fiction, while a third book is reportedly still due for release later this year.
Following the heartbreaking announcement of his death, Bob Mortimer shared an emotional tribute, saying: “So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.”
Paul Whitehouse added: “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 also reflected on Ted’s extraordinary impact both on and off screen. She said he “took fame in his little stride” and loved “messing around on the riverbanks, nicking Jammie Dodgers from Bob and bait from Paul.”
She added: “He will be sorely missed both at home and on screen. We’ll never forget him.”
The final appearance is expected to become one of the most emotional moments in the history of Gone Fishing, a series originally created after Paul encouraged Bob to take up fishing following his triple heart bypass surgery in 2015.
Since launching in 2018, the gentle BBC series has become beloved for its emotional honesty, humour and reflections on friendship, ageing, health and life — with Ted quietly becoming the furry heart of the show.
As fans now prepare to see him on screen one last time, many say the little terrier deserves one final honour at the BAFTAs.
