Not Coming Back – BBC axe sitcom

The BBC has axed its sitcom series Not Going Out after three seasons.

BBC sitcom Not Going Out has been axed by the corporation after three seasons. The series was written by Lee Mack, who also starred in the sitcom, and Andrew Collins. Appearing alongside Mack in the series was Tim Vine, Sally Retton and Miranda Hart. The sitcom was studio bound and performed in front of an audience.

The series was originally part of BBC One’s Friday night comedy line-up but after ITV placed a second episode of Coronation Street at 8.30 on a Friday night the corporation has struggled to find a successful ratings show in that slot. After You’ve Gone, which starred Nicholas Lyndhurst and Celia Imrie, was axed by the BBC earlier this year because its ratings had declined in the slot. Only Fools and Horses spin-off The Green, Green Grass was moved to a Thursday evening for its latest series but ratings were not as strong as it too could be axed by the corporation.

However, Not Going Out had been performing well in the ratings and co-writer Andrew Collins said, writing on his blog, that he was surprised at the decision. A Christmas Special of the series has been filmed and will most likely air as part of the BBC’s festive line-up.

Update: Not Going Out continued after this story and still airs on the beeb today.