Long-running BBC variety show presented by Britain's best-loved comedy duo, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Based around irreverent stand-up routines, comedy sketches and comical song and dance numbers involving a stream of beleaguered guests, the series ran for nearly a decade from 1968 to 1977 and included sketches such as 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'The Breakfast Stripper'.
WritersSid Green, Dick Hills, Eddie Braben
Episode 1
Sep 2, 1968
The first of a new series, starring Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Guest artists, Georgia Brown, Los Zafiros, Jenny Lee-Wright and Bettine Le Beau.
Episode 2
Sep 9, 1968
Guest artists, Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band, Roy Budd with Jenny Lee-Wright, Sheila Bernette, Caron Gardner, Bettine Le Beau, Judy Robinson, Tina Martin, Jenny Russell.
Episode 3
Sep 16, 1968
Tonight Eric and Ern welcome as their guests the all-girl singing group The Paper Dolls and the Trio Athene from Greece, whose TV appearances here have established them as firm favourites. They'll be performing that typical Greek song 'Lefteris'. Eric and Ern will be having quite an energetic evening, with a few rounds in the boxing ring, and a visit to a nudist colony. With Jenny Lee-Wright, Ann Hamilton and Jimmy Lee.
Episode 4
Sep 23, 1968
This week's special guest, Bruce Forsyth, with Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, and Jenny Lee-Wright.
Episode 5
Sep 30, 1968
Ronnie Carroll joins Eric and Ernie in two sketches - Irish of course! Also singing 'Once Upon a Time'. Kenny Ball plays 'Samantha' from High Society. With Jenny Lee-Wright, Michele Barrie, Jane Bartlett, Wendy Hillhouse and Bebe Robson.
Episode 6
Oct 7, 1968
In tonight's show Edmund Hockridge joins Eric and Ernie in a hilarious Desert Song spoof. He also sings the solo Cole Porter number 'I've Got You Under My Skin'. With Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen and Jenny Lee-Wright.
Episode 7
Oct 14, 1968
Among Eric and Ernie's guests tonight will be Michael Aspel. Chris Langford, a new face to television, will be singing an old favourite, 'Old Devil Moon', and regulars Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen will play 'Shine'. Also starring Jenny Lee-Wright, Jimmy Berryman and Lesley Roach.
Episode 8
Oct 21, 1968
Special guest Matt Monro sings 'On a Clear Day' and joins Eric and Ernie in their none-too-successful attempts to put on a musical. With Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Jenny Lee-Wright, Sandra Fehr, George Fisher, Jane Bartlett, Thelma Bignall and Linda Hotchkin.
