A long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise show, broadcast just once almost sixty years ago, has been unearthed – and is returning to our screens.
Thought to have been lost forever, it will be broadcast on the BBC and uploaded to iPlayer in May, to commemorate one hundred years since Eric Morecambe was born.
Set in a nudist colony, the episode features British actress Ann Hamilton, and Jenny Lee-Wright plays Morecambe’s niece.
It was first broadcast on Sept 16, 1968, and also includes a musical performance from the female trio The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the Sixties.
The episode was unearthed from the archives of a former TV industry professional by Film is Fabulous – a charitable trust run by cinema and television enthusiasts.
It was the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC – and has now been returned to the broadcaster.
Their time with the BBC was interrupted by a brief foray into commercial TV.
It will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on May 14 – Morecambe’s 100th birthday.
The unearthed episode features British actress Ann Hamilton in a nudist colony
It was aired once in 1968, and it was thought it had been lost forever
The BBC will air the episode on May 14, to coincide with the 100th birthday of Eric Morecambe
BBC Four will also show The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark the moment.
Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, 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.’
Meanwhile, his son, Gary, said: ‘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, 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. It’ll be broadcast on BBC Four and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Thursday 14 May.’
