Why hit sitcom Not Going Out is not going anywhere

As Lee Mack returns for yet more madcap adventures, he shares the secrets of the show's impressive longevity.

- By Richard Jones

Critics may call it "unoriginal " and "unfunny", but audiences can't get enough of Not Going Out.

Lee Mack's sitcom regularly pulls in excess of four million viewers each week, and as it returns for its 14th series next week, you know those impressive numbers are unlikely to drop.

Such is its popularity, it’s hard to believe the comedy was actually cancelled in 2009 - while the third series was still airing - before a fan backlash prompted a BBC rethink.

Not Going Out has gone from strength to strength, and it’s now the second longest running British sitcom (behind Last of the Summer Wine).

Perhaps its longevity is down to its adaptability.

The show started as a flatshare comedy, Lee starring alongside Tim Vine and Miranda Hart, with Megan Dodds playing the landlady he pined for.