Today, BBC Controller of Comedy Commissioning Shane Allen, and writer and star Lee Mack, confirmed that Not Going Out will return to BBC One in 2017 for an eighth series.  This follows on from the hugely popular one-off Christmas Special in 2015 which saw the central couple have their first child after series seven answered the will-they-won’t-they question forever.  Fans of the BBC One sitcom, now the channels 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?  The new series will also see uptight friends Toby (HUGH DENNIS) and Anna (ABIGAIL CRUTTENDEN) not to mention Lee’s lovably-inept father (BOBBY BALL), along with many popular cast members, return to help Lee and Lucy though their new life journey.

Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning, said:  “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, joint MD of Avalon Television, added: “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 is produced by Avalon Television for BBC One. It is commissioned by Shane Allen and the commissioning editor for BBC is Gregor Sharp. Executive producers are Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, Lee Mack and Jon Thoday.