The new statue of Blackpool comedy favourites Morecambe and Wise has been officially unveiled at Blackpool Winter Gardens.



Created by renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson the 8ft tall bronzed statue was commissioned to mark the 75th anniversary of Eric and Ernie first appearing on stage together in 1941.

Michael Williams, Winter Gardens Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to host this fabulous tribute to Morecambe and Wise here in their spiritual home of Blackpool.

“Eric and Ernie performed in Blackpool more than 1,000 times during their career and lots of people will have fond memories of seeing them on stage here.

“They were adored by the British public so it is only fitting this is a public unveiling. Morecambe and Wise hold such a special place in the hearts of comedy lovers everywhere.”

The statue, which has been funded through donations of £75,000, has gone on permanent display in the spectacular domed entrance to the Winter.

Sculptor Graham Ibbeson has a long history with Eric and Ernie having also created the Eric Morecambe statue which was unveiled in 1999 by the Queen and now adorns the promenade in the comedian’s hometown of Morecambe.

During their years in Blackpool the pair entertained hundreds of thousands of people, playing at seven theatres, six summer seasons and a star role in the 1955 Royal Variety Performance at the Winter Gardens.