Eric, Ernie & Me (BBC-4 2018, Stephen Tompkinson, Mark Bonnar)

In the story of comedy legends Morecambe and Wise there is an invisible third person who defined their personas as we really know it. Eddie Braben was the writer of all their classic 1970’s material. This BBC four biography tells of Braben’s involvement with the duo culminating in their iconic 1977 Christmas Show.

Stephen Tompkinson says: “Thanks to Eddie Braben, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise became the most beloved comedy double act since Laurel & Hardy. The intimate utopia Eddie created for the boys has left us with everlasting joy and sunshine.

“To be able to tell this beautifully crafted piece by Neil is a rarity that reminds us how lucky we were that these three gentlemen bonded together and the efforts that went behind holding generations eternally grateful. For this project to have the blessings of the Braben, Morecambe and Wise families, makes us constantly aware of what an honour it is to portray these comedic legends.”

cast
Stephen Tompkinson as Eddie Braben
Mark Bonnar as Eric Morecambe
Neil Maskell as Ernie Wise
Liz White as Deidree Braben
Rufus Jones as John Ammonds
Alexander McQueen as Bill Cotton

crew details
Writer: Neil Forsyth
Executive Producers: Toby Stevens, Ben Farrell
Producer: Alison Sterling
Director: Dan Zeff

production details
Country: UK
Network and Production Companies: BBC Four – Objective Fiction
Duration: 1×60 minute episode
Aired From: In production