A long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show has been found by the Film is Fabulous! team that also recently recovered two previously-missing episodes of Doctor Who.
The episode, which was first broadcast on the BBC on 16th September 1968, will be shown on BBC Four and iPlayer on Thursday 14th May 2026, on the day Eric Morecambe would’ve turned 100.
No, this isn’t Doctor Who news, but Film Is Fabulous!, a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts, also found two episodes of The Daleks’ Master Plan — The Nightmare Begins and Devil’s Planet — and we reckon there are a lot of Morecambe and Wise fans who visit the DWC; and either way, this gives us a good idea of other missing series and how, even so long after episodes were thought lost, things do get returned eventually.
This programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television. Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, says:
“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 14th May.”
BBC Four will also show The Perfect Morecambe and Wise on the day.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail Morecambe, says:
“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.”
Eric Morecambe’s son, Gary Morecambe says:
“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 episode features sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills. Ann Hamilton appears as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer. It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
