No matter how brilliant a television programme may be, repeated viewings can diminish its charm. However, fans of the iconic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise have reason to celebrate. A long-lost episode, broadcast only once nearly sixty years ago, has been unearthed and is set to return to screens.
Rediscovered Comedy Gold
Believed to have been lost forever, the episode will be broadcast on the BBC and made available on iPlayer in May, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Eric Morecambe's birth. The episode is set in a nudist colony and features British actress Ann Hamilton, with Jenny Lee-Wright playing Morecambe's niece. It originally aired on September 16, 1968, and includes a musical performance by the female trio The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed success in the 1960s.
The episode was discovered in the archives of a former television industry professional by Film is Fabulous, a charitable trust run by cinema and television enthusiasts. It is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise's first series after returning to the BBC and has now been returned to the broadcaster.
A Brief Detour to Commercial TV
Their tenure with the BBC was interrupted by a short foray into commercial television. The recovered episode will air on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on May 14, coinciding with Morecambe's 100th birthday. Additionally, BBC Four will broadcast The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark the occasion.
Morecambe's daughter, Gail, expressed her delight: 'What a lovely surprise this is, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years. It’s excellent to hear that skilled people are actively going through the Archives and discovering lost programmes.'
His son, Gary, added: 'I’m so thrilled and surprised by the discovery of a Morecambe and Wise show that hasn’t been seen since 1968. I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful.' Gary previously discovered another lost episode in his mother’s attic, which was later colourised and aired by the BBC in 2021.
Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, commented: 'Morecambe and Wise are one of the UK’s most loved comedy duos. Thanks to Film Is Fabulous! - we’re delighted to share this comedy gold that we thought was lost forever with viewers across the UK. It’ll be broadcast on BBC Four and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Thursday 14 May.'
