A new book has been published promising the ‘definitive story’ of Morecambe and Wise, told by the people closest to the iconic comedy duo.
‘Forever in the Sunshine’ is written by Eric’s son, Gary Morecambe, and details their life as seen through the eyes of family members, including his sister Gail and mum Joan, and also includes previously unseen photographs.
The book also includes conversations with celebrity fans including Ben Miller, Jonathan Ross and Miranda Hart, providing a fascinating look at why Morecambe and Wise remain so popular now, their impact on today's most recognisable double acts, and how Eric and Ernie continue to be a part of so many families' Christmas traditions.
“I’d been toying with the idea of writing a final book that encompasses the whole of the magical Morecambe and Wise story,’’ said Gary.
‘’It occurred to me that I’d never written anything from within the family before – having my sister, Gail, on board, and being able to interview my mother at length, was key to making this book the definitive word on my father and Ernie’s remarkable careers.
‘’I was very fortunate that my publisher, Sphere at Little, Brown, totally understood what I wanted to achieve with this book from the outset. Morecambe and Wise became Christmas in the 1970s, and so here is the perfect Christmas gift to recognise that fact.
‘’May it bring sunshine to all fans of Eric and Ernie’s unique brand of humour.”
Above: Gary Morecambe
A spokesperson for publisher, Sphere, added: “Gary reveals what it was like behind the scenes, with touching and hilarious stories of life in the Morecambe and Wise family homes, along with memories from Eric’s wife Joan and his daughter and Ernie’s goddaughter Gail.”
Covering the period from being a working class music hall act in their early career to their show becoming the nation's greatest TV entertainment from the late 1960s until the early 1980s, Gary recalls conversations with his dad and Ernie that paints a vivid portrait of two men who loved each other like brothers, as well as bringing to life the major characters who impacted Morecambe and Wise's lives.
‘Forever in the Sunshine’ is out now.
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