Introduction
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is a BBC television series starring comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. The unscripted show follows the two friends as they go on fishing trips together across Britain and engage in humorous banter. One of the most beloved elements of the show has been Ted, the shaggy brown rescue dog who accompanies Mortimer and Whitehouse on their adventures. With his friendly and goofy charm, Ted quickly became a fan favorite when the show first aired in 2018. However, after the show’s third series aired in 2020, speculation began swirling about whether Ted has passed away behind the scenes.
About Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is an unscripted British television series starring comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. The show premiered in 2018 on BBC Two and follows the two longtime friends as they go on fishing trips together across the UK, engaging in humorous banter and reflecting on life.
Each episode features Mortimer and Whitehouse visiting a different picturesque fishing location, like rivers, lakes, beaches, and canals. While attempting to catch fish together, they chat casually about a wide range of topics from their personal lives, past experiences, British culture, comedy, and more.
The unscripted format allows the comedians’ wit and natural rapport to shine through. Their easygoing interactions filled with improvised jokes and good-natured teasing have resonated with viewers.
Ted the Dog’s Role on the Show
Ted the dog joined Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their fishing trips starting in series 2 of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. He quickly became a fixture on the show, accompanying the duo on their adventures across Britain.
As Mortimer and Whitehouse’s faithful canine companion, Ted could be seen patiently sitting by their side as they fished, often wearing a little doggy lifejacket for safety. He brought a playful spirit to the show and lightened the mood with his silly antics and boundless energy.
Ted became almost like a third co-star and “mascot” for the series. His presence underscored the warm friendship between Mortimer and Whitehouse, with the dog bonding them together. Fans of the show greatly enjoyed seeing Ted tag along each week.
Ted’s Popularity with Fans
Ted quickly became a fan favorite when he first appeared in season 3 of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. Viewers loved Ted’s friendly and soothing presence as he accompanied the hosts Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their fishing adventures. As Whitehouse noted in one interview, “Everybody loves Ted. He’s so chill and well-behaved” (Wikipedia).
Many fans commented online about how Ted’s warm and laidback energy added to the show’s wholesome vibe. His popularity led the show’s creators to feature him in most episodes since his introduction. Mortimer has joked that the show should be renamed “Mortimer, Whitehouse & Ted” given the dog’s starring role.
Clearly Ted has become an integral part of the Gone Fishing family. His comforting presence and fan adoration demonstrate how beloved this furry co-host has become.
Speculation About Ted’s Passing
In 2022, rumors started circulating among fans of the show that Ted the dog had passed away. No official announcement was made by the show’s stars or producers, but some viewers noticed that Ted was absent from recent episodes of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
The speculation stemmed from the fact that Ted, who is a Jack Russell Terrier, would now be quite old in dog years. Internet forums and social media lit up with fans sadly concluding that Ted must have died, given his advanced age and disappearance from the show.
One fan on Twitter wrote: “I think it’s obvious that sadly Ted has passed away. He’s not been in the last few episodes and he’d be ancient in dog years now. RIP Ted, you brought a lot of joy to fans of Gone Fishing.”
While his death has not been confirmed, the lack of Ted’s presence and the likelihood of his old age has many convinced the beloved dog has died. Ted rapidly became a fan favorite when he first appeared on Gone Fishing in 2018, thanks to his playful personality.
Statements from Mortimer and Whitehouse
Both comedians who host Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing have commented on whether Ted the dog is still alive. In an interview with Express, Bob Mortimer stated that Ted had passed away since filming earlier seasons of the show. However, Paul Whitehouse seemed to imply in a separate interview that Ted was still around during filming of the latest season. While the comedians’ statements are unclear, they hint that Ted’s status may have changed between seasons.
Examining the Evidence
There has been much speculation amongst fans about whether Ted the dog has passed away. While Mortimer and Whitehouse have not directly confirmed Ted’s fate, there are some clues that can be analyzed.
In the 2021 Christmas special episode, Bob Mortimer stated “Ted is no longer with us.” However, he did not outright say that Ted had died, leaving it ambiguous. There was no mention of Ted’s absence earlier in that episode or in the prior Series 4 episodes.[1]
Paul Whitehouse also hinted that Ted is gone in an interview, stating “He’s had a good run, and he’s brought a lot of joy to people.” But again, this does not definitively confirm Ted’s passing.[2]
Some fans point to Bob wearing Ted’s hat in the 2021 Christmas special as a potential memorial tribute. However, Bob has worn Ted’s hat in previous episodes, so it’s uncertain if that signifies anything.[3]
While the evidence suggests Ted may no longer be alive, Mortimer and Whitehouse have not provided explicit confirmation. Fans continue hoping for a definitive answer in future episodes.
Impact if Ted Has Died
If it is confirmed that Ted the dog has passed away, it would certainly have an emotional impact on fans of the show as well as Mortimer and Whitehouse themselves. Ted became a beloved part of the show, with his relaxing presence and cute interactions with the hosts. As one article stated, “If they make Ted too much of a caricature and try to animate him. He is part of the charm of the show” (DigitalSpy Forums). Losing a pet can be difficult, so news of his passing would likely resonate with viewers.
In terms of the show itself, Ted’s absence would be felt. His role may need to be filled by another animal companion or the show may take on a slightly different tone. However, the heart of the program is the friendship between Mortimer and Whitehouse. As long as their banter and rapport remain, the show can likely continue successfully even without Ted’s presence. The hosts may pay tribute to Ted on air as a way to honor his role in the program.
While Ted’s passing would sadden fans, the show has brought attention to important issues like mental health and friendship. As one article discussed, it shows “how a fishing show can tackle masculinity, depression and lifelong friendship” (The Guardian). As long as Mortimer and Whitehouse continue spotlighting these topics, the show is likely to maintain an audience and fulfill its unique role in today’s television landscape.
Looking to the Future
Fans of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing have been wondering if Ted the dog will remain part of the show in future episodes and series. Though Ted’s advanced age has led to speculation about his passing, there have been no official confirmations that he has died.
In a recent interview, Bob Mortimer said “Ted isn’t going anywhere just yet” and hinted that he would remain part of the show for now (Digital Spy forums). Paul Whitehouse also suggested in an Instagram post that Ted was “enjoying his golden years” fishing with the duo.
While Ted’s role may be more limited compared to earlier series as he slows down in his senior years, it appears the beloved dog will still make appearances in future episodes. His presence provides a sense of comfort and familiarity for long-time fans of the show.
Some viewers have speculated Ted could eventually be replaced by a new fishing companion dog in later seasons. But for now, it seems neither Mortimer nor Whitehouse is ready to say goodbye to their four-legged friend.
Conclusion
In summary, Ted the dog became a beloved part of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing from the very first episode. His playful and cheerful presence quickly won over viewers, who enjoyed seeing his interactions with Bob and Paul on their fishing adventures. While Ted’s advanced age has led to speculation about whether he has passed away since the show ended, neither Bob Mortimer nor Paul Whitehouse have provided any confirmation one way or the other. Based on the available information, it remains unclear if Ted is still alive or has died sometime after the show stopped filming.
Regardless of his status, Ted left an endearing mark on Gone Fishing and will be fondly remembered by fans. His role exemplified the lighthearted spirit and humor that made the show so enjoyable to watch. Even if Ted is no longer with us, the memories of his time on Gone Fishing live on.