The Morecambe & Wise Show. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
The Morecambe & Wise Show was first broadcast on BBC Television on 2nd September 1968. To celebrate 50 years of the much-loved comedy, the BBC has released a brilliant collection of previously unseen images of the comedy duo.
We have the BBC History department to thank for making this collection of photos of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise at work and relaxing public for the first time. In total, over 140 pictures of the duo have been unearthed and digitised by the BBC's photo archive team.
Highlights of the collection include images from the duo's first show in 1968; candid shots of Eric and Ernie with their wives in the garden of Morecambe's home; and the duo with celebrity guests, including Sir Elton John.
Talking about the anniversary and the enduring affection the programme is held in, comedian Jon Culshaw says: "Eric and Ernie brought generations together and joy to so many. Their lovable brilliance is something we've never seen the likes of since. As we celebrate 50 years of The Morecambe & Wise Show, I look back on their programmes with enormous admiration and such happy, warm memories. They're genuinely loved."
Here are some of the pictures from the collection, provided courtesy of BBC History.
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise in the garden of Eric Morecambe's home in Harpenden, 05/08/1979. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise in the garden of Eric Morecambe's home in Harpenden, 05/08/1979. Image shows from L to R: Ernie Wise, Eric Morecambe. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise with their wives, Joan Bartlett and Doreen Wise in the garden of Eric Morecambe's home in Harpenden, 05/08/1979. Copyright: BBC History
Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe with a trumpet, 02/09/1968. Image shows from L to R: Ernie Wise, Eric Morecambe. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe in yellow souwester and Ernie Wise on set, 02/09/1968. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise with tankards and box during Christmas Show, 1971.. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe as a film director and Ernie Wise as an actor. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Keith Michell, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise as French Foreign Legion soldiers with a rubber duck ring, 26/09/1971. Copyright: BBC History
02/09/1968. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe as Dick Turpin on collapsed fake horse, 20/10/1975. Eric Morecambe. Copyright: BBC History
Patrick Moore, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise with telescope, 07/01/1976. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe in kilt showing Derek Nimmo what he's wearing underneath and Ernie Wise in a kilt. Copyright: BBC History
Ernie Wise, John Thaw, Eric Morecambe and Dennis Waterman, 25/12/1976. Copyright: BBC History
Elton John sat at piano and Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, 25/12/1976. Copyright: BBC History
Ernie Wise as a coachman, Dilys Watling as a serving girl and Eric Morecambe as Dick Turpin, 07/01/1976. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe, Peter Cushing and Ernie Wise in top hats and tails, 23/03/1973. Copyright: BBC History
Ernie Wise, Eric Morecambe and Frank Finlay, 02/02/1973. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise on stage, 02/09/1968. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise sharing bed and reading newspapers, 27/09/1974. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe standing and Ernie Wise sat on throne, 27/09/1974. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
01/01/1970. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Ernie Wise, Flora Robson, Eric Morecambe and Michael Redgrave, 01/01/1970. Copyright: BBC History
Eric Morecambe, an extra and Ernie Wise, 01/01/1970. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
01/01/1970. Image shows from L to R: Ernie Wise, Eric Morecambe. Copyright: BBC History
27/07/1969. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
Ernie wise, Eric Morecambe, Sooty and Harry Corbett, 27/10/1972. Copyright: BBC History
02/09/1968. Image shows from L to R: Dick Hills, Sid Green, Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC History
17/02/1970. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe, Eddie Braben, John Ammonds, Ernie Wise. Copyright: BBC