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Eric Morecambe's wife celebrates her 95th birthday

Joan Morecambe celebrating her 95th birthday; and her husband Eric Morecambe

The wife of the legendary comedian Eric Morecambe is celebrating her 95th birthday.

Joan Bartholomew, also known as Joan Morecambe, turns 95 today (Saturday March 26).

Her daughter Gail said they had a "small celebration" on Thursday and a "really lovely time".

She also joked there were only nine candles on Joan's cake because she "didn't want an incident involving firemen!"

Joan, nee Bartlett, and Eric were married on December 11 1952, having met earlier that year when both were performing at the Edinburgh Empire. 

Eric asked Joan out straight away and said to the girl who introduced them 'That's the girl I'm going to marry!'

They were together for 32 years until Eric's death, aged 58, in May 1984.

Eric and Joan had three children, Gary, Gail and Steven, and lived in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

Eric Bartholomew was born in Morecambe in 1926 and took his stage name of Eric Morecambe from the town of his birth.

He is renowned for his double act with Ernie Wise, who died in 1999.

Morecambe and Wise are among Britain's most loved entertainers of all-time and their 'The Morecambe and Wise Show' TV specials remain enduringly popular today.

The Eric Morecambe Statue was unveiled on Morecambe seafront in 1999 and is a hugely popular attraction for visitors to the town and residents alike. 

 

 

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