A new series of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing starts this weekend
A new series of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing starts this weekend, and at first glance it’s more of the same. That’s not a bad thing – comics Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have been taking us on their fishing trips for eight years now, and their funny voices, prodding banter, pratfalls, and surprisingly tender reflections on their health and the ageing process haven’t got old yet, reports BritPanorama.
However, the ninth series opener is a special episode. Joining Mortimer and Whitehouse for one last posthumous trip out to the River Ribble – where they’re after catching chubs and barbels – is their beloved canine companion, the late Ted.
Ted, adopted at six months old by the programme’s executive producer Lisa Clark, died in April this year. While millions who have watched him on Gone Fishing since he made his debut in series three may have never met him, his death has felt personal for many viewers.
“So very, very sad,” Mortimer wrote in tribute at the time. “Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much… and away boss.” Whitehouse 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.”
There may be a sense of silliness in grieving someone one has never met, especially when that someone is a Patterdale terrier. Yet, in his six years on screen, Ted became an unexpected and irreplaceable third member of the cast. For viewers, his presence every Sunday made him an important part of their lives.
When Ted first appeared on BBC Two, he was considerably less grey but it wasn’t long before his curmudgeonly character – shaped by Mortimer and Whitehouse – emerged. He was depicted with a low, grumbling voice, an East End accent, a fascination for briefcases, and a cantankerous nature.
Ted featured in some of Gone Fishing‘s most memorable moments, including winning a race against Mortimer and causing a comical mishap with Whitehouse’s bait box. He also had a memorable blind date that ended in mishap due to a misunderstanding, and his antics often left the two comedians in fits of laughter. His charm earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award at last year’s Christmas party, where he donned a small tuxedo.
The series has consistently tackled the themes of ageing and mortality – themes that emerged as Mortimer faced heart problems in his 50s. Following a triple heart bypass surgery, Mortimer found himself transformed when Whitehouse invited him on a gentle fishing trip, leading to the creation of Gone Fishing. Since then, both comedians have shared their health struggles candidly, including Mortimer’s six-month battle with shingles during filming.
With Ted’s passing, Mortimer and Whitehouse, now 67 and 68 respectively, will likely reflect more deeply on life’s journey. While the absence of their friend marks a change in the series, conversations about decline and mortality have consistently been balanced with the beauty of nature, friendship, and the importance of cherishing the moment. Ted’s legacy will be celebrated through laughter and fond memories.
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is on tonight at 9pm on BBC One
