They were probably the greatest comedy double act of all time, but if Little Ern had his way the world wouldn't have had the pleasures of seeing Angela Rippon high-kicking her way through 'Lets Face the Music and Dance', Ernie's flights of theatrical fancy or ten years of rating-beating Christmas Shows.

Whilst researching a book about his father, Eric, to published later this week Gary Morcambe found a letter written by Ernie, probably around 1950, in which he tried to finish their burgeoning act.

Citing a combination of losing his "zip" and the fact working as a duo was causing "animosity" at home, Ern expressed a wish to remain friends. The note reads...

"Well Eric I want to get straight to the point. I want us to break up the act. I'm afraid it won't work. I have such a terrific amount of animosity to put up with at home. I feel it would be better if we parted.

"I know this will be quite a shock to you but I had to come to some decision, I can't go on the way things are. I am not satisfied with my work, I have lost a lot of zip and it will take time to regain it. I can't keep you waiting around for me, I don't know definitely when I will be out.

"I feel it's a great pity after we planned so much, but my mind's made up. I have no idea what to do in the future, all I know is that I want us to remain friends. Hoping to hear from you."

At the time the partnership were making waves on the variety circuit, but were yet to make the breakthrough to TV. Fortunately for the world of light entertainment Eric's swift response convinced Ernie to carry on, and the pair went on to create some of the greatest moments on TV. These are out favourites - what are yours?

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Mr Preview
Despite the appearance of totaly anarchy, Morecambe & Wise's sketches were meticulously planned, apart from this one. With no time for rehearsal, Andre Previn read the script on the plane, turned up at the studios and delivered a comedy masterpiece. You can visibly see Eric - who always stressed about guest stars - visibly relax during the sketch, and Previn is probably better known now to the vast majority of Brits as "Mr Preview" rather than his more cultured day job.

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South Pacific
One of the highlights of the 1973 Christmas Show, the South Pacific cover had everything the duo were famous for; it was a musical cover, and it was clever and silly at the same time. Throw in half a dozen normally straight-laced newsreaders - including Michael Aspel and Barry Norman - cavorting in sailor outfits and you have comedy gold!

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Shirley Bassey
Rumour has it Shirley Bassey spent so much time crying with laughter in rehearsals this 1971 sketch almost never made it to the live recording. With a misfiring set, featuring Eric and Ern operating the carousel, polyestyrene steps and an over-exuberant smoke machine, it's a surprise she ever finished the song.

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The Breakfast Sketch
Spoofed since in adverts and more recently by Armstrong & Miller, The Breakfast Sketch has become one of the duo's greatest sketches ever.

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Singin' In the Rain
Another musical routine, another comedy gem. With Ern faultlessly recreating Gene Kelly's routine, it was left to Eric playing a hapless cop, to wring every last ounce of laughter from the audience. First there was no water - due to health and safety - then there was, gallons of it, and the majority only had one target.

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Eric and Ern - they've still got it you know?