Morecambe and Wise to make sensational return to screens for star's 100th birthday

James Saunders
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:47:40 +0000

A long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will be broadcast by the BBC to celebrate what would have been Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday.

The programme, featuring a nudist colony sketch, will air on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on May 14.

Eric Morecambe, one half of the beloved comedy duo with Ernie Wise, died in 1984 aged 58.

The episode includes British actress Ann Hamilton in the nudist sketch and Jenny Lee-Wright as Morecambe's niece.

Sixties pop group The Paper Dolls also perform in the programme.

BBC Four will also broadcast The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark the occasion.

The charitable trust Film is Fabulous!, operated by film collectors and television enthusiasts, uncovered the episode in the estate of a former TV industry professional.

The programme was originally broadcast on September 16, 1968.

It was the third instalment from Morecambe and Wise's first series following their return to the BBC after a stint in commercial television.

The episode had been considered permanently lost until its recent discovery.

Film is Fabulous! has now returned the footage to the BBC.

Eric's son Gary Morecambe, 70, previously found another missing episode in his mother's attic, which the BBC colourised and broadcast in 2021.

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Gary 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.

The discovery came as a complete surprise to the legendary entertainer's son, who believed all missing material had already been found.

Gail Morecambe, Eric's daughter, 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."

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."