Eric Morecambe's Centennial Celebration
Eric Morecambe, the pipe-smoking comedian renowned for his partnership with Ernie Wise, who entertained millions on television, would have celebrated his 100th birthday today.
Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, their shows featured numerous prominent guests, including The Beatles and Elton John.
As part of the centenary celebrations, the BBC is airing a recently recovered episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show, underscoring the enduring popularity of the entertainer.
Pop star Robbie Williams is a devoted fan of the duo, having a silhouette tattoo of them on his forearm. He also spent £20,000 at auction to acquire Eric's pipe and glasses.
"How Eric made me feel is how I want to make people feel. What a gift to be able to create such joy and have that joy be present just by thinking of them."
At the same auction, collector Matt Webster purchased a pair of shoes worn by Eric Morecambe for a considerably lower sum of £100.
These items will be exhibited at the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, where Eric resided from the 1960s.
When asked if he intends to wear the shoes at the event, Webster remarked, "My feet are much bigger than Eric's six and a half."
Reflecting on the legacy of Eric and Ernie, Webster stated:
"Both of them would have been 100 now. Their programmes are still repeated, there's always new documentaries, it's a great achievement.
"I think it's the ultimate dad joke when you hear somebody go past with a siren and you say 'he'll never sell much ice cream going at that speed'."
Family Reflections on Eric Morecambe's Legacy
Following Eric's sudden death in 1984, his daughter Gail Morecambe initially found it "really painful" to be reminded of him by fans.
Currently, she experiences his work with "pure joy" and feels "blessed" by the ongoing affection her father receives.
"I think that they transcended the screen of the television and it felt like you had these two really nice guys in your living room making you laugh."
Gail notes that while older audiences appreciate the shows for nostalgic reasons, the humor remains effective for younger viewers.
"I think they're just amazed by the comedic skill.
Children have always loved watching them because it's very visual, you don't have to get the humour, they make you laugh just watching them. So it's still family viewing."
Celebrity Memories and Enduring Popularity
Some celebrities remain closely associated with their appearances on Morecambe and Wise.
It has been fifty years since reader Angela Rippon surprised over 20 million viewers with her high-kicks on the 1976 Christmas Show, yet she says fans inquire about the experience weekly.
"They want to know what they were like to work with... It's always a great pleasure for me to be able to say they were absolutely wonderful," she said.
During rehearsals, Rippon observed that the duo were "precision freaks" committed to delivering comedy at the highest standard.
Following the show, she developed friendships with Eric, Ernie, and their wives, maintaining these relationships until their recent passing, including Joan Morecambe in 2024.
Eric Morecambe's Connection to Luton Town Football Club
Eric's influence extended beyond entertainment into sports, particularly as a devoted supporter of Luton Town Football Club, frequently referencing the team during his shows.
A longstanding myth suggests Eric chose to support Luton Town after a coin toss deciding between them and rivals Watford FC.
His son, Gary Morecambe, recounted a different version involving drawing straws with Elton John, where Eric "lost" and thus supported Luton.
However, Gary clarifies the actual reason was less dramatic:
"He looked to see who was at home and Luton were at home and Watford were away. So we went to the home side,"
Eric was appointed a club director in 1975, and a stand at Kenilworth Road stadium bears his name.
The club gifted him a unique tracksuit, which will be displayed in the Hatters' Heritage museum upon its relocation to the new Power Court stadium.
Eric's association with Luton Town remains strong; the team played "Bring Me Sunshine" over stadium speakers when promoted to the Premier League in 2023.
"That was a bit of a lump in the throat moment," recalls Gary.
"Now all these years on, the fact that he still continues is wonderful... I think because it transcends time. There's nothing in it that is related to headlines of the day, which is very ageing if you do that.
"Two men who are dressed like second-hand car salesmen who were permanently children, and that's just wonderful, it's just such escapism."
Angela Rippon's Lasting Impression of Eric Morecambe
Rippon remembers Eric as a man who "could not help making people laugh."
Even during serious conversations about countryside interests or politics, he would often break the mood with humor.
"You could be out with them and you could be having a serious conversation with Eric and suddenly he'd put the glasses on sideways, or he'd do the paper bag trick... he couldn't stay serious for long."
For Rippon, Eric's timelessness stems from the duo's ability to be funny without resorting to unpleasantness, nastiness, or crudeness.
"I think that my memory of him will be just making the nation laugh and continuing to make the nation laugh."
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