BBC orders fourth series

The BBC has recommissioned Lee Mack’s sitcom Not Going Out, after cancelling it earlier this year.

Back in March, the corporation decided the primetime Friday-night sitcom had run its course after three series.

But now broadcast chiefs have decided to give it another go – but in a much later 10.35pm slot, and in midweek.

The news comes on the same day Miranda Hart, who stars as the clumsy cleaner in Not Going Out, learned that her self-titled sitcom was also being renewed by the BBC.

The BBC has one last episode of the last series to air, a Christmas special which will be transmitted at 10.45pm next Wednesday. The new series is scheduled for sometime in 2010.

At the time of the cancellation, co-writer Andrew Collins said the ‘sad’ news came as ‘something of a surprise, as we went out with our highest ever audience figure for the last show’.

The show, which also starred Tim Vine, regularly attracted audiences of three to four million.

Published: 15 Dec 2009