Missing classic episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show has finally been discovered after nearly 60 years

by

A previously lost episode of the classic comedy show, The Morecambe and Wise Show, has been found after being missing for many years. It’s expected to air on the BBC again soon.

This comedy duo are widely seen as two of Britain’s most famous comedians, but not all episodes of their classic show were saved after they originally aired.

A recently rediscovered episode from September 1968, when the program returned to the BBC after a period on the now-closed ATV network, is thanks to the work of the charity Film is Fabulous.

This organization is made up of people who collect films, love going to the cinema, and enjoy classic television. They work to protect old and fragile films and TV shows in the UK when the people who originally owned them are no longer able to care for them.

They announced on X (formerly Twitter) that a previously missing episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show is about to be returned to the BBC Archives thanks to their efforts.

Want to see this content?

This page includes content from Twitter. We need your permission to display it because Twitter uses cookies and similar technologies. By selecting ‘Accept and continue,’ you’ll allow Twitter to load and function as intended.

Professor Justin Smith, a trustee of the Film is Fabulous Board and a professor at De Montfort University, told BBC News that the episode included suggestive performances, such as a dancer using balloons and a segment set at a nudist camp.

It definitely reflects the style of its era and is clearly meant to be funny. But what really shines through is the brilliant chemistry between Eric and Ernie – they were at their best. The show is quick, clever, and full of the classic elements we remember and love about Morecambe and Wise.

We’re planning to share more information about the episode this Tuesday, and we’re hoping the BBC will rebroadcast it soon – potentially within just a few months.

Want to see this content?

This page uses a security feature called Google reCAPTCHA. Before it loads, we need your permission because reCAPTCHA might use cookies and similar technologies. If you want to see the content, please select ‘Accept and continue’ to enable reCAPTCHA.

Film is Fabulous has successfully recovered lost episodes of classic TV shows like Doctor Who, Steptoe and Son, The Likely Lads, ITV Playhouse, and The Basil Brush Show, and returned them to the BBC and BFI archives.

Just last month, the archive gained attention for discovering two lost Doctor Who episodes – “The Nightmare Begins” and “Devil’s Planet” – originally broadcast in November 1965. These episodes were submitted by the estate of someone who had passed away and wished to remain anonymous.

The Morecambe and Wise Show is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Want to watch classic comedy? Add The Morecambe and Wise Show to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app! Download it now for daily TV suggestions, articles, and other great content.

Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about scripted TV dramas and comedies for TopMob, keeping fans up-to-date on the newest and best shows. Before TopMob, he worked at Starburst Magazine and hosted The Winter King Podcast on ITVX. He also has a degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield.

  • Visit us on Twitter

Read More

2026-04-24 15:10