And [Barry Cryer] may well take a stroll down the Promenade from Morecambe Platform to see the resort’s famous seafront tribute to his old friend - although he finds it strangely sad that Eric is dancing alone.

He says: “There is a statue, isn’t there? But Ernie’s not with him? It’s a bit sad.

“I know it’s a delicate matter, the great Eric there, but they were a four legged animal. Eric used to say in front of Ernie, but it was said affectionately, ‘He’s not the best straight man in the business but he’s the best one I’ll ever have.’ They were like telepathy, those two.”