The fan-favourite little dog received a luxurious pampering session when filming in the region
Grooming professionals Louisa Wellington, right, and Hannah Carter, with Ted the dog, at Wagtails of the Wolds(Image: wagtailsofthewolds.co.uk)
A little dog with prominent bottom teeth and a penchant for getting “a bit pongy” won a huge fan base, starring in Mortimer And Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. Ted, a Patterdale Terrier mix, joined Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their gentle fishing travels, having first appeared in the BBC show’s third series in 2020.
Now followers of the charming canine character, who belonged to the show’s executive producer Lisa Clark, are mourning his loss after his death at the age of 13 was announced on Thursday, April 30. One of those who has paid tribute to Ted is Louisa Wellington, of dog grooming salon Wagtails of the Wolds, Driffield.
Louisa and her team hosted Ted for a luxurious pamper day when Gone Fishing came to the county in search of wild brown trout at Driffield Beck. Travelling with the celebrity anglers to Mulberry Whin, site of one of the UK’s most northerly chalk streams, was their faithful canine companion, Ted.
Louisa said: “Everyone at Wagtails of the Wolds was deeply saddened to hear of Ted’s passing. We had the absolute privilege of grooming Ted, and he was every bit as special in person as viewers saw on screen—gentle, calm, and full of quiet character.
“Ted touched the hearts of so many people, not just through Gone Fishing, but through the comfort and joy he brought simply by being himself. So many of our own clients knew and adored him, and he became such a lovely talking point in our salon.
“It was a real honour to have spent time with him, and he will always be remembered very fondly by us all. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him.”
When the show was in East Yorkshire, viewers saw Mortimer and Whitehouse slightly distracted by “a bit pongy” Ted. Obsessed by rolling in the mud on the riverbank, the senior pet got himself in a messy state – hence Bob booking him in for a luxurious doggy spa at Wagtails.
Louisa said at the time it had been “incredibly hard to keep quiet” about the filming and not to “spill the beans” before the show aired. She said Ted “definitely had that adventure dog scent going on” and he was due for a proper spa day.
The pet had tailored treatments for his senior dog status, including a relaxing blueberry facial, a mobility mud bath and a nail trim, finished with a full groom to get him camera-ready. “He was super relaxed and well-behaved,” Louisa said.
The BBC said Ted was rescued from a dog’s home in Surrey in the spring of 2013 when he was about six months old and went to live with Lisa. During the Christmas special of Gone Fishing, in Cornwall, in 2025 Ted was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lisa said: “Ted was a much-loved family pet as well as a treasured companion to Paul and Bob on Gone Fishing. 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.
“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.”
Bob Mortimer said: “So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.. and away boss.”
Paul Whitehouse said: “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.”
Ted will appear in one episode for the forthcoming series nine – which will be his final appearance on the show.
The BBC Two series began in 2018, and sees Whitehouse and Mortimer discuss life while fishing. It has been nominated six times for a BAFTA TV award.
Series editor Doug Bryson posted on X about Ted, on hearing of his death. He said: “On this sad day, it feels appropriate to revisit one of the times Ted came in to the edit, to make sure I was using all his best shots. He WILL appear in one episode of #GoneFishing series 9 later this year. RIP little fella.”
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