Ted, the much-loved Patterdale Terrier mix who captured viewers' hearts on BBC Two's Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, has died.
The grey-flecked black dog rose to fame alongside presenters Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, swiftly becoming an audience favourite after joining the popular fishing programme.
Ted belonged to Lisa Clark, the show's Executive Producer, and regularly appeared on screen with the comedy duo as they explored Britain's waterways.
His death has prompted an outpouring of affection from bothy fans and those who worked with him, with both Mr Mortimer and Mr Whitehouse paying heartfelt tributes to their four-legged companion.
Ted, the beloved TV dog has passed away
|BBC
Ted's journey to stardom began as a rescue dog, adopted from a Surrey dog home in spring 2013 when he was approximately six months old.
He first appeared on the BBC Two programme in episode three of the third series in 2020, where his charm quickly won over audiences.
The terrier mix became a regular fixture on the show, frequently claiming victories in the end-of-series awards segments, much to Mr Whitehouse's mock frustration at being repeatedly outdone by a dog.
His contributions were formally recognised during the 2025 Christmas special filmed in Cornwall, where Ted received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ted in Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing S8
|BBC
Mr Mortimer expressed his grief at the loss, saying: "So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.. and away boss."
Mr Whitehouse offered his own touching farewell to his canine co-star: "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."
Ms Clark shared her memories of Ted both as a family pet and television personality: "Ted was a much-loved family pet as well as a treasured companion to Paul and Bob on Gone Fishing."
She continued: "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.
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"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."
Fans of the beloved dog quickly flooded social media with tributes and condolences.
"OMG Ted from Gone Fishing has died and I can’t even!" one sad fan posted on X, as another penned: "Feel like pure s*** just want him back."
Another posted on Instagram: "Oh god, this has me welling up! What an amazing little character he was. Sending love to his family for giving him such an incredible life."
"All the other terrible things I’ve read in the news this morning, and this has just opened the floodgates. Miss you Ted," added a fourth.
Someone else penned: "Rest in Peace, Ted. Truly a giant of Television."
Others called for the BBC show to be sacked entirely.
Ted swiftly becoming an audience favourite
BBC
"Having just lost our little doggy, this has once again brought tears. So very sorry to everyone close to Ted. The show should be retired now," one heartbroken fan commented.
Viewers will have one final opportunity to see Ted on screen, as he appears in an episode of the forthcoming ninth series.
Beyond his television career, Ted authored two bestselling books, A Pawtobiography and Pup Fiction, with a third title due for release later this year.