Following the tragic news, Bob shared an emotional tribute, writing: “So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.. and away boss.

Paul also paid tribute to the famous pooch in a message that instantly moved fans online. He 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’s owner Lisa Clark — who also serves as executive producer of the hit BBC show — revealed the terrier would be “sorely missed” both at home and on-screen.

She 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.”

Lisa added: “He will be sorely missed both at home and on screen. We’ll never forget him.”

Ted’s touching journey made him even more loved by fans after it was revealed he had originally been rescued from a dog shelter in 2013 before eventually becoming one of the most recognisable animals on British television.

The  dog’s official Instagram account — which has more than 200,000 followers — also confirmed the heartbreaking news with a simple tribute reading: “Always loved, never forgotten… and away little fella.”

Fans quickly flooded social media with emotional messages, with many describing Ted as the true “soul” of Gone Fishing.

One viewer wrote: “News I never wanted to hear. Lovely Ted! Rest well buddy.”

Another added: “He was an icon of the show and the bond he had with Paul and Bob was lovely to see.”

BBC viewers will still get one final goodbye, as Ted is expected to appear in one last pre-recorded episode during series nine of Gone Fishing.