Morecambe And Wise: The Lost Tapes

ITV, 9pm

Christmas has come early for anyone with the slightest appreciation of comedy: an episode of Morecambe And Wise (right) first seen in 1970 but believed lost until recently.

The treasure was found by Eric Morecambe’s son Gary last year and is now shown here. The wonderful footage is intercut with effusive appreciation of the duo from Eric’s family and today’s stars and comedians.

Some of the sketches are brilliant – one involves just the duo, a stage curtain and a pair of prop legs – and even the more dated material reveals the much-loved pair’s effortless genius in performance.

Die-hard fans might have preferred the footage without the distraction of celebrity interviews, but as a further treat we’re also given clips from classic, if familiar, sketches featuring André Previn, Glenda Jackson and Penelope Keith. ★★★★★