Long-running BBC sitcom could END after 100th episode despite high ratings, admits show’s creator

Long-running BBC sitcom could END after 100th episode despite high ratings, admits show’s creator

BBC sitcom Not Going Out could be ending after the upcoming thirteenth series, according to the show’s creator Lee Mack.

The comedian, 54, who stars as a fictitious version of himself in the long-running programme, admitted its future could be in doubt following the 100th episode since he’s keen on ’round numbers’.

He made the confession ahead of writing the new season next month and despite viewing figures reaching 4.6million last year.

Shame! BBC sitcom Not Going Out could be ending after the upcoming thirteenth series, according to the show’s creator Lee Mack (stock image of BBC Broadcasting House in London)

Lee told The Sun: ‘We’ll have reached 100 episodes by the time we’ve finished this latest series and – as I am quite obsessive about numbers – that could be a nice, round number to end on.

‘Either that or we go on until we’ve reached 200!’

Not Going Out first hit the small screen in 2006 and reached its peak in ratings with 5.63million households tuning in for 2017’s Christmas special.

Uh-oh: The comedian, 54, admitted the programme future could be in doubt following the 100th episode since he's keen on 'round numbers' (pictured with Sally Bretton)

Uh-oh: The comedian, 54, admitted the programme future could be in doubt following the 100th episode since he’s keen on ’round numbers’ (pictured with Sally Bretton)

Hugh Dennis, Megan Dodds, Miranda Hart, Tim Vine and the late Bobby Ball have all featured as cast members over the years.

In 2020, viewers were left ’emotional’ and in ‘tears’ after watching Bobby posthumously appear on the fan-favourite show.

The comedian tested positive for coronavirus after being at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with breathing problems and died on 28 October, aged 76.

Bobby filmed the festive episode and the upcoming 11th series before his death, with fans delighted that they got to see some more of his character Frank.

Dozens of fans took to Twitter to praise Bobby’s performance and the show for putting on such a fitting tribute to the legend after the Christmas special aired

Bobby played Frank in Not Going Out, the troublesome father of Lee (played by Lee), with the actor paying tribute to him following his death.

Over? Lee said: 'We'll have reached 100 episodes by the time we've finished this latest series and - as I am quite obsessive about numbers - that could be a nice, round number to end on'

Over? Lee said: ‘We’ll have reached 100 episodes by the time we’ve finished this latest series and – as I am quite obsessive about numbers – that could be a nice, round number to end on’

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