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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Mark Brown North of England correspondent

Wise told Morecambe he wanted to split up comedy act in 1950, letter reveals

Eric Morecambe Ernie Wise Gary Joan Hansons
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise smiling at the camera
Eric Morecambe (left) told his son he replied to Ernie Wise’s letter saying he had never heard such rubbish in his life. Photograph: PA

They became arguably the greatest comedy duo Britain has ever produced but if Eric Morecambe had listened to a young and despondent Ernie Wise they would have split up before ever getting properly started.

A poignant 1950 letter from Wise to Morecambe is part of a remarkable treasure trove of memorabilia to be auctioned in the new year.

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