When one thinks of Morecambe & Wise, the mind often goes straight to their unparalleled success as Britain's favorite comedy duo. However, before they became a household name, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise faced a humbling hurdle with their first venture into television.
In the mid-1950s, Morecambe & Wise were on the cusp of a television breakthrough with the BBC series 'Running Wild'. The anticipation was palpable, with hopes high that this would cement their place as national stars. But when the show aired, it was met with scathing reviews from critics, who described it as "TV's worst effort for months." The harsh feedback was a gut punch to the pair, feeling like "a slap in the face with a wet fish" as Morecambe later recalled.
The backlash was so intense that the duo considered quitting the series entirely. Their confidence was shattered, and they were left questioning their future in television. The program was criticized for its weak material and lackluster execution, leaving Morecambe & Wise with little to show for their efforts.
Despite the rocky start, the duo didn't let this setback define their careers. They returned to the theater circuit, rebuilt their confidence, and eventually found their footing in television with new material and stronger collaborations. Their resilience paid off, and they went on to become iconic figures in British comedy, proving that sometimes a flop can be the stepping stone to greatness.
Source: Comedy.co.uk (UK)