The Morecambe and Wise Show

The Morecambe and Wise Show first ran on BBC Two on 2 September 1968. It marked the return of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise to the BBC after thirteen years away, during which time they had found success at ITV. The BBC screened Morecambe and Wise in colour and used their return to push the relatively new colour television service, making them Radio Times cover stars.

Eric and Ernie became the nation’s most popular double act and their show became unmissable television, culminating in the 1977 Christmas special, which was watched by 28 million viewers. This remains the most watched comedy programme in British television history.

The first episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show featured Georgia Brown and Los Zafiros as guests. As the programme hit its stride – particularly after Eddie Braben was engaged as writer in series two – it seemed that all the biggest names in entertainment were queuing up to be involved. Guests ranged from Peter Cushing and Vanessa Redgrave to Andre Previn, Elton John and Shirley Bassey.

Eric and Ernie went back to ITV in 1978, but never recaptured the glory of their BBC years. Although both comedians are now dead - Eric died in 1984 and Ernie in 1999 - their influence can be seen in double acts such as Reeves and Mortimer. They also popularised the idea of television presenters – like Angela Rippon and Peter Woods – appearing "out of character", paving the way for many appearances on shows like Children in Need and Strictly Come Dancing.