Bob Mortimer has moved viewers to tears after sharing a tender and emotional update on Ted, the beloved dog who has quietly become one of the biggest stars of Gone Fishing.

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Appearing on Saturday Kitchen, Bob slipped into Ted’s familiar, playful “voice”, joking, “I’m alright mate,” — a moment that drew warm laughter in the studio. But his smile softened as he added honestly, “No… he’s knocking on a bit now.”

Bob revealed that Ted is now 15 years old, a remarkable age that speaks to years of companionship, love, and simple adventures shared by the riverbank. Despite his age, Bob assured fans that the little dog’s spirit remains unbroken:
“He still loves coming out with us, and he seems happy.”

When host Matt Tebbutt mentioned having seen Ted being wheeled around, Bob gently explained that the pram wasn’t a symbol of frailty but one of care:
“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.”

It was a small detail — but one that said everything.
A picture of loyalty.
Of friendship that doesn’t fade with age.
Of two lives intertwined over 15 years, now slowing down together.

For fans of Gone Fishing, Ted has always been more than a dog wandering into frame. He has been a quiet emotional anchor of the show: padding along behind the pair, curling up on riverbanks, dozing in sunbeams, and often becoming the silent soul of the episode. He represents comfort, continuity, and that gentle reminder that the simplest moments are often the ones that matter the most.

Hearing Bob speak about Ted with such affection struck a chord with viewers across the country. Social media filled with messages from fans saying they were “tearing up”, “rooting for Ted”, and grateful for the love and gentleness the show brings into their homes.

In an age filled with noise and chaos, Ted — old, tired, but happy — has become a symbol of something everyone longs for: unconditional companionship, the soft rhythm of shared routines, and the beauty of growing older with someone who loves you exactly as you are.

Bob’s update wasn’t just information about a dog.
It was a portrait of devotion.
A reminder that aging is not the end, but a new chapter to be cared for tenderly.
And for millions who have fallen in love with Ted, it was a reassurance:
He’s still here.
Still loved.
Still part of the journey.

As one viewer wrote perfectly:
“Ted isn’t just Bob’s dog — he’s all of ours.”