What we know about the new series of Not Going Out

The BBC has revealed the future of Lee Mack's hit sitcom Not Going Out, giving fans some much-needed news after the comedian cast doubt on its return because of his busy work schedule.

First airing in 2006, Not Going Out stars Mack as a fictional version of himself opposite Sally Bretton, who portrays Lucy Adams, and Hugh Dennis, who plays his neighbour Toby.

It has enjoyed huge success and has become the UK's second longest-running sitcom behind Last of the Summer Wine, so it's no wonder fans are curious whether there'll be more.

Will there be a new series of Not Going Out?

On 23 May, the BBC confirmed that the show will return for a new series in 2025. However, it has not yet been revealed how many episodes it might consist of or when exactly it'll be released.

In a statement, Mack said: "Once again I’m very grateful that the BBC have trusted in us to keep alive the studio sitcom. I grew up watching this genre of sitcom on the BBC, and to be part of it myself is still a dream come true, even after 18 years of doing it. Here we go again….!!"

Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, also said: "Not Going Out remains one of the UK’s most cherished sitcoms, a true testament to the exceptional comedic talents of Lee and his team. The show's consistent success and popularity speak volumes, and we are beyond chuffed about its return."

Mack had previously told The Sun in April that fans couldn't expect the series to return until at least early 2025, if it comes back at all.

Sharing his career plans for the future, Mack said: "More 1% Club, more Would I Lie to You? and, for the first year in a long time, I won’t be doing Not Going Out. If we do bring it back, we're looking at early 2025."

The comedian clarified at the time that despite being the show's creator the decision to make the show was up to the BBC — who has now renewed it: “We’re talking about it now. I’d love to do more, I love doing it, it’s great fun, I love the cast but […] it’s not always my decision, these things," he shared. "I just wait for someone to say, 'There’s a bag of money, get on with it'."

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Not Going Out has had 13 seasons so far, and viewers last enjoyed the return of the sitcom for a Christmas special in 2023. In the episode, Lee and Lucy invite a lonely old pensioner to their house for a festive dinner, only for things to start going hilariously wrong.

The Christmas special marked the 100th episode for the series and drew in almost 4 million viewers.

Not Going Out is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.