Not Going Out to return... with three kids
- Lee Mack's hit sitcom Not Going Out will return to BBC One in 2017 for an eighth series
- Series 8 will see the show's focus change to a family setting, with Lee and Lucy now having three children
- Sally Bretton, Hugh Dennis, Abigail Cruttenden and Bobby Ball return, but Katy Wix has left
The BBC has confirmed Lee Mack's hit sitcom Not Going Out is to return for an eighth series, now focused on Lee and Lucy's family. We re-join the couple as they attempt to look after their three children.
Talking about the new series, the BBC say: "Fans of the BBC One sitcom, now the channel's longest running comedy on air, were delighted as Lee (Lee Mack) and his long-suffering flat mate Lucy Adams (Sally Bretton) finally realised they were made for each other and tied the knot. Now the couple will return to the screen as parents with three young children... what could possibly go wrong?"
Lee Mack has spoken on a number of occasions in recent years about his desire to make the sitcom a more family-orientated show. The most recent episode - a 2015 Christmas special - saw the couple have their first child.
Hugh Dennis and Abigail Cruttenden will return in Series 8 - set seven years after we last saw Lee and Lucy - as uptight friends Toby and Anna, with Bobby Ball also back as Lee's lovably-inept father. The BBC adds that other popular cast members will also return, to "help Lee and Lucy though their new life journey".
However, notably there is no mention of Katy Wix, who has played Daisy in the last five series of the show. It is believed her character will not appear in the new series.
Although news of Not Going Out returning has been known for some time - script read-throughs and most studio recordings already having taken place - Series 8 was officially announced at the Edinburgh Television Festival today by Lee Mack.
BBC commissioner Shane Allen says: "Not Going Out is on its way to modern classic status as it clocks up another richly gag-packed and comic incident-heavy series. The jump forward introduction of their kids provides Lee and Lucy with a new family domestic setting and springboard to broaden out their world from a 'will they, won't they?' dynamic to the 'why the hell have we?' that comes with parenting."
Jon Thoday from production company Avalon Television adds: "I am delighted this brilliantly funny show by Lee Mack will continue and we all really appreciate the fantastic support from the BBC."
Not Going Out Series 8 will be shown on BBC One in 2017.