Bob Mortimer’s Heartbreaking Health Update on Beloved 'Gone Fishing' Dog Ted—Plus His Own Defiant Cheese Confession

A Fishing Legend’s Loyal Companion

Bob Mortimer, the beloved comedian and co-host of the BBC’s tranquil fishing series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, has delivered a bittersweet update that has fans reaching for tissues. The 66-year-old, known for his deadpan wit and heartwarming chemistry with Paul Whitehouse, revealed that his cherished pooch Ted is “knocking on a bit” and now needs a pram for long riverside walks.

During a guest spot on Saturday Kitchen, Mortimer slipped into Ted’s voice with a cheeky “I’m alright mate” before dropping the emotional truth bomb: Ted is 15 years old. “He still loves coming out with us, and he seems very happy,” Bob said, but host Matt Tebbutt admitted, “I was quite sad when I saw him being wheeled around.”

Bob explained, “He doesn't have to be wheeled around all the time, but for longer journeys, up the river bank, we put him in a pram now.” The image of Ted—the four-legged star who has stolen scenes since the show’s 2018 debut—being pushed along the bank like a furry toddler has sent a wave of nostalgia through the show’s loyal fanbase.

Ted’s Golden Years

Ted has been the unofficial mascot of Gone Fishing, often seen snoozing by the riverbank or wagging his tail as Bob and Paul cast their lines. Now in his twilight years, Ted’s slowdown is a poignant reminder of how long the show has been running. The eighth series is currently airing, and Bob has teased the finale as “a beauty.”

The comedian reflected on the series’ magic: “It's odd that people like it so much, but I kind of get it. We make the UK look really pretty—it's nice to be reminded occasionally.” Indeed, the show has become a comfort blanket for viewers, blending gentle fishing with deep, often hilarious, conversations between two old friends.

Bob’s Heart Crisis: The Cheese Dilemma

But Ted isn’t the only one facing health battles. Bob Mortimer, who underwent a triple heart bypass in 2015 after discovering 95% of his arteries were blocked, has made a jaw-dropping confession: he refuses to give up cheese. Despite a dietitian advising him to limit himself to a matchbox-sized portion per week, Bob told The Daily Mail, “That broke my heart. There are probably those who do stick to it, but I'm probably in the school of thought that I'd rather have three years less.”

The revelation has sparked both shock and admiration from fans. For a man who nearly died on stage—doctors warned him he was moments away from a heart attack—Bob’s rebellion is pure rock-and-roll. “I’d rather have three years less than give up cheese,” he declared, cementing his status as a national treasure who lives life on his own terms.

Bob’s health scare was a turning point in his career. It forced him to cancel tour dates with comedy partner Vic Reeves (of Shooting Stars fame) and led to the creation of Gone Fishing, a show that his surgeon reportedly prescribed as a “gentle” pursuit. The irony is not lost on fans: a man who nearly died is now the face of the BBC’s most soothing show.

Overcoming Shingles and Fatigue

Last year, Bob faced another hurdle: a bout of shingles so severe that he lost the use of one leg. While filming the latest series, he had to use a wheelchair. “I wasn't very well and it made it a bit of a struggle but, as always, Paul looked after me and pulled me through,” Bob said.

He shared his slow recovery: “I got a bit unlucky with it, I lost the use of one of my legs but it's coming back now, I'm a bit limpy but I'm very grateful to be back up and going.” The vulnerability only deepened fans’ love for him—a comedian who bares his soul amid the quiet beauty of the British countryside.

The Unbreakable Bond of Bob and Paul

At the heart of Gone Fishing is the friendship between Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Their chemistry, forged over decades in comedy, now includes looking after each other physically. When Bob struggled with shingles, Paul was there to push his wheelchair. When Paul’s own health faltered (he had a heart operation in 2016), Bob was his cheerleader.

The show has become a haven for viewers seeking peace, but its real draw is the raw, unscripted camaraderie. From Bob’s absurd anecdotes (remember the “snake” in the lake?) to Paul’s gentle teasing, every episode feels like a warm hug. The dog Ted only added to that cozy atmosphere.

Fans have taken to social media to express their concern for Ted and admiration for Bob’s candor. One Twitter user wrote, “Ted getting wheeled in a pram is the most British thing ever. Bob and Paul are truly the dads we wish we had.”

What’s Next for the Beloved Series?

With the eighth series nearing its end, speculation is rife about whether Gone Fishing will continue. Bob and Paul have shown no signs of slowing down, despite their respective health challenges. In fact, the show’s popularity has only grown, with iPlayer viewers flocking to each new episode.

If Ted’s health forces a change, the producers might have to adapt—perhaps a new, younger dog? But for now, the trio of Bob, Paul, and Ted remains inseparable. As Bob puts it, “Ted still loves coming out with us,” and as long as the pram keeps rolling, the magic will endure.

The next episode of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing airs Saturday at 10 a.m. on BBC One. You won’t want to miss what Bob calls “a beauty.”

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