VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Eric Morecambe's children help unveil plaque in memory of their dad's much-loved chauffeur

Tuesday, 11 July 2023 15:19

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Gail Stuart, Lesley Fountain and Gary Morecambe with the Eric Morecambe Statue

The son and daughter of Eric Morecambe have helped to unveil a plaque in memory of their dad's much-loved chauffeur.

Gary and Gail joined Lesley Fountain, widow of Mike Fountain, and her six-year-old grandson Ollie at a ceremony held at the Eric Morecambe Statue on Saturday.

Mike, who worked as Eric Morecambe's personal driver from 1969 until the comic's death in 1984, died in 2022 aged 79.

He drove the comedian's legendary Rolls Royce, with the recognisable number plate of EM 100, taking the Morecambe-born TV star and his family to shows, rehearsals and trips all over the UK.

The two men were very close and Mike (pictured below) became a trusted family friend and confidant, as well as employee.

Mike was originally from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, where Eric and his family lived.

He grew to love Morecambe so much, he ended up moving there after his friend's death, saying he enjoyed feeling close to Eric.

The plaque is on a wall next to the statue of the comic who was born John Eric Bartholomew in Morecambe in 1926, and went on to find fame with his comedy partner Ernie Wise, as Morecambe and Wise (below).

LISTEN to our interview with Lesley Fountain, Gail Stuart and Gary Morecambe at the ceremony on Saturday

The ceremony was attended by other members of Mike's family, friends, local councillors and people who were involved in getting the plaque made in tribute to Mike.

WATCH as Gail gives a speech after the unveiling on Saturday morning.

Gail said: "This is absolutely wonderful.

"Michael Fountain made Morecambe his life and his loyalty to my father is something we as a family have always been grateful for.

"I think he would be completely shocked and overwhelmed that this is happening, in a good way. I think he would be thrilled. What a tribute to a lovely lovely man who Morecambe has adopted."

Lesley Fountain said: "I'm overwhelmed at the turnout, that people have come to show their respect for Michael.

"He'd be really chuffed that he was well thought of."