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Theatre unveils blue plaque for Eric Morecambe

Eric Morecambe Centre A dark blue circle plaque with two silver waving hands at the top and writing covering the rest. It reads "Eric Morecambe OBE 1926-1984" and beneath it reads "BBC and the Heritage Foundation". Eric Morecambe Centre

A BBC television centre plaque has been unveiled in a local theatre to celebrate a legendary entertainer.

The Eric Morecambe Centre (EMC) in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, has revealed its limited edition BBC blue plaque, which was rescued from the BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane, west London, when the building went up for sale in 2012.

The plaque was later put to charity auction and purchased by a local resident, who then donated the piece to the theatre.

Gail Morecambe, Eric Morecambe's daughter, said: “The family are delighted that there is a little piece of Television Centre – a place where my father and Ernie made so many memorable shows – is now here at the Eric Morecambe Centre.”

Eric Morecambe Centre Gail Morecambe wearing a mustard yellow coat and white hair is gesturing to a blue circle plaque in a clear plastic box. She is smiling at the camera. Eric Morecambe Centre
Gail Morecambe, the daughter of Eric Morecambe, unveiled the plaque on Tuesday

The plaque was unveiled at a small ceremony in the theatre on Tuesday, by Ms Morecambe.

Morecambe lived in Harpenden during the height of his fame in a comedy double act with Ernie Wise, until his death in 1984.

The plaque is one of a series installed by the Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the BBC.

Each plaque shows an image of clapping hands, which represents the connection between audiences and BBC talent.

A U-shaped building with lots of dark windows and cladding, there are trees in the middle section and a large rectangular lift.
The Television Centre in London was closed in 2012

Twenty-four other plaques were originally displayed across the Star Terrace at the Television Centre, for members of the public to enjoy while they waited to enter the TV studios.

However now the piece is being displayed in the foyer alongside pictures of Morecambe and his wife Joan.

Kate Barton, the EMC manager, said: "Just as audiences would have seen it when it was originally in situ, I’m excited for our audiences to see the plaque in its new home."

The EMC opened in Harpenden in September 2021.

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