Eric’s widow raided as she unveils his statue
Joan and daughter Gail in Blackpool by the new statue of Ernie and Eric, inset THIEVES raided the home of Eric Morecambe’s widow while she was unveiling a statue of the comedy legend and partner Ernie Wise.
Relatives fear burglars targeted Joan Bartholomew after discovering on social media when she would be away.
As she was celebrating the sculpture of the famous comedy duo in Blackpool, they raided her home more than 200 miles away.
The break-in was discovered when Mrs Bartholomew, 89, returned the following day. Prized jewellery and watches worth thousands of pounds were taken.
Mrs Bartholomew unveiled the 8ft statue of Morecambe and Wise on Friday. The event was advertised on social media.
Her son Gary is convinced thieves knew that the family home in Harpenden, Herts, would be empty. He said: “There wasn’t masses of damage. My mum is very realistic. She doesn’t like to make herself a victim. It’s just the way it is.
“I guess that’s the power of social media. They must have known she was away.”
Mr Bartholomew added that the break-in had not soured his mother’s delight at seeing the new statue of her late husband.
It was created by Graham Ibbeson, who also sculpted the statue of the comedian that stands in Morecambe, where he grew up.
Britain’s best-loved comedy double act first appeared on stage together in Blackpool in 1941.
Mrs Bartholomew said after the unveiling at the Winter Gardens: “The statue is simply wonderful. Graham has really captured Eric and Ernie to perfection.
“For it to be unveiled here in Blackpool, where I have so many happy memories of Eric and Ernie and our families together down the years, is very fitting.
“This has been a really special day I will remember for ever.”
Eric was born John Eric Bartholomew in 1926. In 1940, he met Ernest Wiseman at a revue in Nottingham. They became a double act, later adopting the stage names Morecambe and Wise.
Eric died of a heart attack in 1984, aged 58. Ernie died in 1999, aged 73, after a triple heart bypass.
The duo performed in Blackpool more than 1,000 times.