Plans afoot for Morecambe's novel

The comic’s son, Gary, has co-written a script based on the 1981 book about the rise of a comedian, Sid Lewis, from lowly roots to the big time, where he enjoys all the fruits of fame but never finds happiness.

Production company Magician Pictures is developing the idea with co-writer Dan Turner from their base in Elstree studios.

Although they are remaining tight-lipped about the prospects for the project, a video has been released on YouTube in which Gary and Eric Morecambe ’s widow, Joan talk about the book.

On the video, Gary said it has been his ambition since his father’s death in 1984 to see the novel come to the small screen

‘Just before he died he was talking himself about wanting Mr Lonely made into a film,’ he said.

‘For years and years people had the Morecambe and Wise Show to watch. Eric died in 1984, so for the best part of quarter of a century we have had nothing. Now or the first time in all those years we actually have a new project that was penned by Eric Morecambe.’

Here is the video:

Published: 15 May 2007