Paul Whitehouse, star of the BBC series "Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing," has spoken about the unique qualities of his late dog, Ted, describing the terrier's "indifference" as an endearing trait. Ted, a fan favorite on the show, passed away earlier this year.
In a recent appearance on The Harry Hill Show podcast, Whitehouse, 68, shared his reflections on Ted, who was officially owned by the show's executive producer, Lisa Clark. "Ted didn't give a monkey's about me and Bob," Whitehouse said, referring to his co-host Bob Mortimer. "He was a real dog. But what was great about Ted… You know, with most people a dog comes running up and greets you like a long lost friend after ten seconds of absence…Ted didn't give a monkey's about me and Bob, didn't care." This lack of overt affection, Whitehouse suggested, actually "toughened" him and Mortimer up.
Ted, a Patterdale Terrier mix, first joined Mortimer and Whitehouse on screen in 2020 and quickly became a prominent and beloved figure among viewers. His personality often stole the show, with Harry Hill noting Ted's "indifference" and "confidence," which Whitehouse humorously rephrased as "arrogance."
Fans were reportedly devastated by Ted's death at the age of 13. The dog will still be seen in the upcoming ninth season of "Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing," having filmed one episode before his passing. A transmission date for the new season has not yet been confirmed.
Ted's presence was significant enough that some viewers called for him to be included in the In Memoriam segment at the TV BAFTAs. The dog was also the subject of two best-selling books, "A Pawtobiography" and "Pup Fiction," with a third expected later in 2026. He had amassed a social media following of over 200,000 people.
Whitehouse stated he would not speculate on whether another animal would join the show, preferring "out of respect for Ted." Ted was rescued from a dogs' home in Surrey in 2013. He is survived at home by another dog, a Briard named Bo.
The show "Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing" began in 2018. It follows the two comedians on fishing trips across the UK, with the initial premise being a way for Whitehouse to help Mortimer bond with nature following his triple heart bypass surgery in 2015. The series often features conversations about their lives, health, and friendships, alongside celebrity guests.