Fans of The Morecambe and Wise Show are in for a treat, as a long-lost episode is set to air on the BBC in the very near future.

The episode, which had remained unseen for decades and was widely believed to be lost forever, will be broadcast on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on 14th May.

This date coincides with what would have been Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday. Alongside the special episode, the broadcaster will also screen The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark the occasion.

A charitable trust called Film Is Fabulous! unearthed the missing episode within the estate of a former television industry professional, and it has since been returned to the BBC.

The rediscovered episode is the third instalment from Morecambe and Wise's first series, following their return to the BBC after a stint with commercial television, reports the Mirror.

It features sketches penned by Sid Green and Dick Hills, with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony.

Meanwhile, Jenny Lee-Wright stars as Eric's niece, who happens to be a balloon dancer. BBC viewers will also be treated to a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed considerable popularity throughout the 1960s.

Commenting on the remarkable discovery, Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, could barely contain their enthusiasm.

They commented: "Morecambe and Wise are one of the UK's most loved comedy duos. Thanks to Film Is Fabulous!

"We're delighted to share this comedy gold that we thought was lost forever with viewers across the UK. It'll be broadcast on BBC Four and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Thursday May 14."

Eric Morecambe's daughter, Gail, also offered her thoughts on the episode's broadcast, revealing her delight that the transmission coincided with her father's 100th birthday.

She said: "What a lovely surprise this is, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years. It's excellent to hear that skilled people are actively going through the Archives and discovering 'lost' programmes.

"Not just Morecambe and Wise, of course. I am especially thrilled that it coincides with my father's centenary year. Really wonderful."

Meanwhile, Eric Morecambe's son, Gary Morecambe, added: "I'm so thrilled and surprised by the discovery of a Morecambe and Wise show that hasn't been seen since 1968. I honestly didn't think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it's really quite wonderful.

"Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I'm very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was twelve years of age."

The long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is available to watch on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer from May 14.