Advertisement

Families of Eric and Ernie help unveil statue of comedy duo in Blackpool

Credit: Dave Brown ITV Granada

The sculpture was unveiled by Joan Morecambe, their eldest son Gary and daughter Gail, and a representative from Wise's family.

Famous double act Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Credit: Dave Brown ITV Granada

The eight-foot bronze sculpture was commissioned to mark the 75th anniversary of their first stage appearance together in 1941.

WATCH: Video of unveiling:

Sculpted by Graham Ibbeson, it took up residence in the domed entrance of Blackpool's Winter Gardens - dubbed their "spiritual home" by those closest to them.

They performed more than 1,000 times in the seaside town during their career, and Morecambe's widow Joan said the unveiling is a day she and Doreen, Wise's widow, "never expected to happen".

WATCH: Video clip of Gail Morecambe, Eric Morecambe's daughter:

Morecambe and Wise are the greatest double act to have ever graced British TV screens and both Eric and Ernie's families agree their spiritual home is Blackpool.

"Eric and Ernie's families have been involved right through the process and they love the statue which means an awful lot.

"I feel sure it will become a hugely popular and much-loved attraction in Blackpool for generations to come."

– Graham Ibbeson, Sculptor