Eric Morecambe’s mum

Comedian and actress Victoria Wood is to star as Eric Morecambe’s mother in a new TV drama about the early years of Morecambe and Wise. The as-yet-untitled BBC drama charts the relationship between Ernie Wiseman and Eric Bartholomew from children's variety performers to the television stars. Wood plays Morecambe's mother, Sadie, who told her reluctant son to concentrate on performing because "you aren't good at anything else". Morecambe and Wise have yet to be cast. The screenplay is by Peter Bowker, whose other credits include Blackpool and Occupation.