A long-lost episode of The Morecambe And Wise Show that was unseen for decades is set to air on the BBC.
The programme, originally broadcast on 16 September 1968, was believed to be permanently lost.
It features British actresses Ann Hamilton in a sketch set in a nudist colony, and Jenny Lee-Wright playing Morecambe’s niece.
The episode will mark 100 years since the birth of the late Eric Morecambe.
The 1960s pop trio The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits during that era, also provide a musical performance.
The comedy duo, comprising Morecambe and Ernie Wise, entertained audiences until Morecambe’s death in 1984 at the age of 58. Wise passed away in 1999.
Its rediscovery was made by Film Is Fabulous!, a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts, within the estate of a former TV industry professional, and has since been returned to the BBC.
This particular episode was the third in Morecambe and Wise’s inaugural BBC series after their return from commercial television.
Viewers can watch the episode on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on 14 May, coinciding with when Morecambe would have turned 100.
BBC Four will also broadcast The Perfect Morecambe And Wise to mark the occasion.
Morecambe’s son, Gary Morecambe, 70, said he was “excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12 years of age”.
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“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,” he added.
Noreen Adams, director of BBC Archives, said: “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.”
Morecambe’s daughter, Gail Morecambe, said: “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.
“I am especially thrilled that it coincides with my father’s centenary year. Really wonderful.”
