In a twist worthy of their own comedic routines, a long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is set to return to British television screens, nearly sixty years after it first aired and was thought to be lost forever. The black-and-white episode, originally broadcast on September 16, 1968, is being resurrected thanks to a remarkable find in the estate of a deceased television professional. The BBC will air the episode on BBC Four and iPlayer at 8pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026—a date chosen to coincide with what would have been Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday, according to both BBC and USA TODAY reports.
The rediscovery is the latest chapter in a saga shaped by the BBC’s once-thrifty, now-regretted policy of scrubbing and reusing videotapes during the 1960s. This short-sighted habit led to the loss of countless classic programs, sparking a modern wave of television archaeology. Fans and archivists alike have spent decades combing through attics, estates, and private collections in search of these missing gems. As BBC noted, “Doctor Who fans have benefitted from these telly detectorists,” and now devotees of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise are reaping similar rewards.
The 25-minute episode, found by Film is Fabulous—a charitable trust run by cinema and television enthusiasts—was part of the first series Morecambe and Wise made for the BBC after their return from a stint at ITV. It marks a significant moment in their television journey: the last series penned by Dick Hills and Sid Green, before the legendary Eddie Braben took over and helped shape the duo’s act into the ratings juggernaut that would dominate 1970s Christmas specials. In those later years, their festive broadcasts would draw up to 21 million viewers, becoming a staple of British holiday traditions.
This newly resurfaced episode is a fascinating time capsule, capturing Morecambe and Wise before their act was fully transformed by Braben’s influence. The pair’s music hall roots are on full display, especially in an extended opening sketch where Eric gives Ernie a hilariously convoluted set of directions to his home in Harpenden. Despite running nearly eight minutes, the duo’s comedic timing ensures the patter never drags. Their trademark rapport—Eric as the irrepressible joker, Ernie as the straight man and frequent target of mockery—remains as sharp as ever. The episode also includes their familiar catchphrases, like the audience’s ritual reply of “Rubbish!” when asked, “What do you think of the show so far?”
One of the episode’s more memorable sketches takes place in a nudist camp, a premise that might raise eyebrows today but is handled with the same innocent cheekiness that defined the duo’s humor. Only Eric and Ernie themselves bare any skin, and even then, the most shocking sight for contemporary viewers might be Eric’s “formless, dough-pale torso”—a far cry from the gym-toned bodies of today’s reality TV stars. In another nod to the era, Eric is seen smoking cigarettes on-screen, a habit he would give up just two months later after a near-fatal heart attack. This episode, airing on what would have been his centenary, is a poignant reminder of his talent and the toll of his lifestyle; Eric Morecambe passed away in 1984 at just 58, following a third heart attack.
Musical performances were a staple of Morecambe and Wise’s shows, and this episode is no exception. The musical guests, however, reflect the period’s evolving pop culture. The Paper Dolls, a British female trio who had their heyday in the Sixties, appear in miniskirts and Twiggy-style eyelashes. Also featured is Trio Athenée, a cheerful Greek guitar group singing in French—an act that, as BBC wryly observed, “seemed like a Fast Show pastiche of Eurovision.” The musical interludes may lack the star power of later guests like Elton John or Shirley Bassey, but they offer a charming snapshot of the entertainment landscape of the time.
The episode’s final sketch, featuring Jenny-Lee Wright as a “balloon dancer” (a performer who maintains modesty with strategically placed balloons), manages to tread the line between risqué and innocent. Wright, who would later become a regular on The Benny Hill Show, plays Eric’s niece in the scene. Though the premise might sound questionable by today’s standards, the execution is gentle and free from the leering tone that sometimes characterized other shows of the era.
For years, the BBC showed little faith in this early version of The Morecambe and Wise Show, relegating it to BBC Two before moving it to the flagship BBC One in 1971. The later move paid off handsomely, as the duo’s Christmas specials became must-watch television. Yet, as these specials have been endlessly repeated, the discovery of fresh material is a genuine treat for fans and television historians alike.
The announcement of the episode’s return has delighted Morecambe and Wise’s family and fans. Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, told USA TODAY, “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.” His son, Gary, echoed her excitement: “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 Morecambe himself previously uncovered another lost episode in his mother’s attic, which was colorised and aired by the BBC in 2021. These discoveries highlight both the enduring appeal of Morecambe and Wise and the importance of archival preservation. As Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, put it: “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.”
The episode’s journey from presumed oblivion to national broadcast is a testament to the dedication of television historians, archivists, and fans. For those tuning in on May 14, it promises not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but a celebration of two comedians whose influence on British humor remains as strong as ever. In a media landscape often dominated by the new and the now, sometimes the greatest treasures are those that resurface from the past, bringing sunshine—and laughter—once again.