Morecambe and Wise ‘to RETURN to the BBC for the festive period after a long-lost episode of the iconic show was unearthed by Eric’s son Gary’

A long-lost episode of Morecambe and Wise is reportedly set to air at Christmas after it was discovered in an attic by Eric Morecambe’s son.

The episode aired once more than 50 years ago in October 1970 and was seen by an audience of 14 million at the time.

It has now been restored and changed from black and white to colour as a treat for show fans, with the show due to hit screens under the title Morecambe and Wise – The Lost Tape over the festive period.

Comedy legends:  A long-lost episode of Morecambe and Wise is reportedly set to air at Christmas after it was discovered in an attic by Eric Morecambe’s son

A BBC source told the Daily Mirror: ‘We were so excited to hear that this episode, long considered lost, still exists. This should be a real Christmas treat for comedy fans. It’s an absolute delight.’

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. 

Gary Morecambe, 65, is said to have found the tape last year in a canister marked with a BBC stamp as he searched for paperwork at his home.

Blast from the past: The episode aired once more than 50 years ago in October 1970 and was seen by an audience of 14 million at the time

The show, written by Eddie Braben, will feature some classic sketches performed by the legendary comedy duo, as well as music from Paul Anka, Patricia Lambert and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.

Gary said: ‘I was looking through other stuff. As the decades went by we hadn’t really sorted enough out and my mother said why don’t you have a look in the attic.

‘I got in there and came across five large canisters with spools in them.’

Family affair: Gary Morecambe, 65 (pictured), is said to have found the tape last year in a canister marked with a BBC stamp as he searched for paperwork at his home

He added that four of the tapes were damaged but one had the BBC mark on it.

The tape, which is from the fourth series, was not released when then season was put out on DVD in 2008 as it was thought it was lost.

Morecambe and Wise enjoyed a hugely successful television career, fronting 175 shows over 22 years. 

Eric Morecambe died in 1984 and Ernie Wise in 1999.

A BBC source told the Daily Mirror : ‘We were so excited to hear that this episode, long considered lost, still exists’

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