Lee Mack breaks silence on Not Going Out’s future – fans won’t see new episodes in 2024
Not Going Out on pause – but not dead
Good news for sitcom fans! Comedian Lee Mack has finally addressed rumours that Not Going Out has been “shelved” for 2024. The BBC favourite, which launched in 2006 and recently hit its 100th episode with a Christmas special, is simply taking a break – not vanishing for good.
Why no new episodes in 2024?
Speaking to The Sun, 55-year-old Mack admitted the show won’t return this year. But he made it clear the decision wasn’t his alone. “It’s not always my decision, these things,” he said. “I just wait for someone to say, ‘There’s a bag of money, get on with it.’”
While fans might be disappointed, Mack hinted talks are already on the go to bring the laugh-out-loud hit back in 2025. “I’d love to do more, I love doing it, it’s great fun, I love the cast,” he assured.
The origins and fond memories
The comedian also reconnected with the show’s roots. He revealed that Not Going Out started life as a tiny sketch at the edinburgh/" title="Edinburgh" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Edinburgh Festival, growing from a flat set piece into what became the full show.
Mack paid tribute to the late Bobby Ball, who played his on-screen dad and whose performance eerily reminded him of his own father. “Bobby was brilliant,” said Mack, recalling the shock of Ball’s death from Covid-19.
Catch up now – all episodes on BBC iPlayer
While fans wait for new episodes, they can binge all past series now streaming on BBC iPlayer. It’s the perfect way to relive the laughs, classic gags, and the brilliant chemistry that’s kept Not Going Out a fan favourite for nearly two decades.
