Long-lost episode of The Morecambe And Wise Show to be aired

[Dominique Farrell]

A long-lost episode of The Morecambe And Wise Show is to be shown on the BBC to mark 100 years since the late Eric Morecambe was born.

The episode, which was thought to be lost forever, was first broadcast on 16 September 1968, and features British actresses Ann Hamilton appearing in a sketch set in a nudist colony, and Jenny Lee-Wright playing Eric Morecambe's niece.

It also includes a musical performance from female trio The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.

 

Ernie Wise was the other half of the comedy duo, with their partnership lasting until Eric Morecambe’s death in 1984 at the age of 58. Ernie Wise lived until 1999.

 

The episode was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! – a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts – in the estate of a former TV industry professional and has now been returned to the BBC.

 

The "lost" programme was the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial TV.

 

It will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on 14 May to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100.

BBC Four will also show The Perfect Morecambe And Wise to mark the occasion.

 

Eric Morecambe’s son, Gary Morecambe, 70, said he was "excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12 years of age".

"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," he added.

 

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."

 

Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail Morecambe, said: "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.

"I am especially thrilled that it coincides with my father’s centenary year. Really wonderful."

 

RTÉ Entertainment.