Paul Whitehouse’s heartfelt tribute to Ted has touched countless fans who followed the gentle presence of the much-loved Gone Fishing star over the years. Describing Ted as “never just a dog,” Paul reflected on a friendship built on unwavering loyalty, quiet comfort, and the simple joy of sharing life’s everyday moments together.
For millions of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing viewers, Ted was far more than a four-legged companion wandering along riverbanks.
He became the unexpected heart of the beloved BBC series—stealing scenes, winning over audiences with his unforgettable personality, and proving that sometimes the biggest television stars don’t need to say a single word.
Now, months after Ted’s death at the age of 13, comedian Paul Whitehouse has shared one of his most heartfelt tributes yet, revealing the quirky personality trait that made the famous terrier so unforgettable—and explaining why he refuses to even discuss the possibility of another dog joining the show.
“Ted Didn’t Care About Us”
Speaking on The Harry Hill Show podcast, Paul reflected warmly on the Patterdale Terrier cross that became a national favourite.
With his trademark humour, Paul laughed as he recalled that Ted never behaved like an ordinary dog.
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Gone Fishing star Paul Whitehouse has reflected on his time with ‘fan favourite’ terrier Ted (pictured) after he died earlier this year
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Sharing some of the things he loved about the animal, Paul named the pooch’s ‘indifference’ towards him and co-host Bob Mortimer
While most pets greet people with uncontrollable excitement, Ted simply wasn’t interested.
“Ted didn’t give a monkey’s about me and Bob,” Paul joked.
The terrier belonged to executive producer Lisa Clark, not to either of the show’s stars, but that never stopped viewers from believing he was an essential member of the Gone Fishing family.
Paul admitted Ted’s complete indifference toward him and co-star Bob Mortimer became one of the dog’s most lovable qualities.
“It was almost arrogance,” he laughed.
“But it was an endearing kind of arrogance.”
According to Paul, Ted’s refusal to fuss over anyone somehow made everyone love him even more.
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There will be another chance to see the beloved canine when the show returns, with the BBC confirming that Ted filmed one episode of season nine with Bob and Paul before his death
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In the meantime, fans have called on Ted to be included during the In Memoriam segment when the TV BAFTAs air on May 10
The Unexpected Star of the Show
Podcast host Harry Hill joked that Ted had become the programme’s true celebrity.
“The whole country fell in love with him,” Harry said.
Paul quickly joined in the joke.
“So you’re saying Ted was the real star?”
Harry cheekily replied that Ted’s departure would probably upset viewers even more than if Bob left the programme.
Paul, never missing an opportunity for self-deprecating humour, responded:
“If I disappeared, nobody would bat an eyelid. There might be a single tear for Bob.”
The exchange perfectly captured the affectionate chemistry that has helped make Gone Fishing one of Britain’s most treasured television series.
“Out of Respect for Ted”
As fans continue mourning the beloved terrier, many have wondered whether another dog could eventually join Bob and Paul beside the rivers.
Paul, however, isn’t ready to think about that.
Asked directly whether viewers should expect a new canine companion, he answered gently:
“I don’t really like to speculate on that, to be honest, out of respect for Ted.”
His response immediately resonated with fans, many of whom believe Ted’s place on the programme simply cannot be replaced.
One Final Goodbye Still Awaits
Although Ted passed away in April, audiences will have one final opportunity to see him on screen.
The BBC has confirmed that Ted filmed one episode of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Series 9 before his death.
That episode is expected to become one of the most emotional in the programme’s history, allowing viewers to say a proper farewell to the dog who quietly became one of British television’s most cherished personalities.
An official transmission date has not yet been announced.
From Rescue Puppy to National Treasure
Ted first entered Lisa Clark’s life in 2013 after being rescued from a Surrey dogs’ home when he was just six months old.
He joined Gone Fishing in 2020 and quickly became an inseparable part of the series.
Whether stealing Jammie Dodgers from Bob, pinching fishing bait from Paul, or simply wandering through the countryside with complete confidence, Ted developed an enormous following that stretched far beyond the programme itself.
His popularity even inspired two bestselling books—A Pawtobiography and Pup Fiction—while a third title is expected later this year.
Ted also built a loyal social media community of more than 200,000 followers, becoming one of Britain’s most recognisable television dogs.
Heartbreaking Farewell
Following Ted’s passing, both Bob and Paul shared deeply emotional tributes.
Bob described him as:
“The best companion and the greatest little chum.”
Paul wrote:
“He wasn’t a dog—he was a species all of his own.”
