The long-lost episode was thought to be lost forever and will broadcast on BBC Four onext month.
Fans of The Morecambe and Wise Show have reason to celebrate as a long-lost episode is scheduled to broadcast on the BBC imminently.
The episode, unseen for decades and presumed lost permanently, will air on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on 14 May.
This transmission date marks what would have been Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday. Alongside the special episode, the broadcaster will also present The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to commemorate the occasion.
A charitable organisation called Film Is Fabulous! uncovered the lost episode within the estate of a former television industry professional. It has since been returned to the BBC.
The rediscovered episode is the third from Morecambe and Wise’s inaugural series, following their return to the BBC after a stint with commercial television, reports the Mirror.
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It features sketches penned by Sid Green and Dick Hills, with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch situated in a nudist colony.
Additionally, Jenny Lee-Wright stars as Eric’s niece who is also a balloon dancer. BBC audiences will also enjoy a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who were prominent in the 1960s.
Discussing the rediscovered episode, Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, expressed considerable enthusiasm.
They 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 May 14.”
Gail, Eric Morecambe’s daughter, expressed her delight at the episode’s transmission, noting how marvellous it was that the broadcast aligned with her father’s centenary celebrations.
She commented: “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.”
Gary Morecambe, Eric’s son, remarked: “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.”
The long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is available to watch on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer from May 14.
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