The BBC is set to broadcast a long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show, originally aired in 1968, nearly six decades after its initial transmission. The rediscovered programme will be shown next month to coincide with what would have been Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday.
Rediscovery of a Comedy Gem
The episode, first broadcast on September 16, 1968, had been thought lost forever. It was discovered by Film Is Fabulous!, a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts, in the estate of a former television industry professional and has been returned to the BBC.
BBC Four will also air a collection of sketches titled The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark the occasion.
Details of the Lost Episode
This lost programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise's first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television. It features sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills. Ann Hamilton appears as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric's niece, a balloon dancer. The episode also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, said: “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.”
Family Reactions
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail Morecambe, 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. Not just Morecambe and Wise, of course. I am especially thrilled that it coincides with my father’s centenary year. Really wonderful.”
Eric Morecambe’s son, Gary Morecambe, 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. Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was twelve years of age.”
Broadcast Details
The Morecambe and Wise Show ran for nine series and became a regular fixture at Christmas on the BBC with a festive special, before moving to ITV for four series. The lost episode will air on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, May 14, from 8pm.
