In December 2023, the much-loved and long-standing BBC comedy series “Not Going Out,” by Lee Mack, celebrated its 100th episode. This is an exceptional accomplishment for most television shows, especially studio sitcoms.
After reaching an even milestone in episodes, speculation arose regarding if the series would carry on. Yet, with season 14 approaching, it’s clear that the show will indeed persist; but things won’t go back to how they were before.
In the latest season, there’s another leap forward in time that finds Lee and Lucy (Sally Bretton) settled in their family life with three kids, much like we saw in 2017.
This occasion finds Lee and Lucy in a new stage of life, referred to as empty-nesters, since their children have left for college, leaving them without the responsibility of parenting.
In the latest installments, we’ve shifted gears, opting for a narrative style that unfolds in real-time. Consequently, our primary focus has never been sharper on the pair at the heart of the story. Unlike earlier seasons, characters portrayed by Hugh Dennis and Abigail Cruttenden won’t make an appearance this time.
However, let’s take a look at which actors are still part of the Not Going Out series, and who played roles in earlier seasons. Here’s what you should know about the current cast.
Season 14 cast
Lee Mack plays Lee
To begin with, Lee was a carefree man residing in London, leading a bachelor’s life. In the second installment of the series, he encounters Lucy, Tim’s sister. A connection between them quickly develops, but it takes quite some time for their relationship to mature into something romantic.
Eventually, it wasn’t until a close brush with death (in the fourth season) that Lee mustered the nerve to propose to Lucy. Their wedding took place at the conclusion of the seventh season. After a time leap, we find them living happily as a married couple for several years, with three young children in Surrey.
In the next leap through time, we’ll find them relocating to a new home, as their kids have left for college and vacated the family nest in season 14.
Apart from his frequent appearances on panel shows like Would I Lie to You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and Taskmaster, Lee Mack has also been seen in other roles such as Doctor Who, Semi-Detached, Inside No. 9, Brassic, Murder, They Hope, and Bad Tidings.
Sally Bretton plays Lucy
Who is Lucy, one might ask? Well, after Lee’s original landlady departed, Lucy purchased his apartment and welcomed him as a tenant. At first, she appeared somewhat bothered by him, but over time they developed a bond that grew into a romantic relationship. By season 14, their kids have flown the nest, leaving them with more quality time together – for better or worse.
Has Sally Bretton appeared in any other productions apart from The Office, Green Wing, Beyond Paradise, and Death in Paradise?
Cast of previous seasons
Hugh Dennis plays Toby
Toby is a pal of Lee’s, known for providing guidance and assistance when Lee gets into difficulty. He’s wed to Anna, but their connection is somewhat strained.
Apart from being a regular panelist on the popular show Mock the Week, Hugh Dennis is recognized for his roles in sitcoms like My Hero and Outnumbered. He also made a significant appearance in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s hit series Fleabag, had a brief part in No Time to Die, and plays a role in The Couple Next Door as well.
Abigail Cruttenden plays Anna
As I delve into the world of cinema, allow me to share my thoughts on Anna, a character who finds herself entangled with the Lee family through her marriage to Toby. Anna, in essence, maintains an icy demeanor and reacts swiftly to any minor inconveniences that come her way.
Has Abigail Cruttenden appeared in any other productions aside from Benidorm and the Sharpe series? Yes, she has been seen in Netflix’s Munich: The Edge of War, Showtrial, and The Marlow Murder Club as well.
Deborah Grant plays Wendy
Wendy can be described as Lucy’s caring and supportive mother, who frequently assists Lucy and Lee in their journey through parenthood.
Apart from her role in the medical drama Peak Practice as Carol Johnson, Deborah Grant has also been featured in the detective drama Bergerac and the BBC sitcom Bread.
Geoffrey Whitehead plays Geoffrey
Who is Geoffrey? Geoffrey is Lucy’s father, who is never far from his beloved wife, Wendy.
Has Geoffrey Whitehead appeared in any other productions besides Still Open All Hours and The Royal Bodyguard, where he worked alongside Sir David Jason?
Bobby Ball plays Frank
As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you that Frank was the zany, unpredictable father of Lee, always pulling him into one wild scheme after another. He was more trouble than he was worth, and you couldn’t trust him with a dollar, but every now and then, he would show a hint of kindness that made you wonder if there might be more to him beneath the chaos. Unfortunately, following the demise of Bobby Ball, the character of Frank had to be retired from the series, and his departure was addressed in season 12.
Under which other productions did Bobby Ball appear besides his long-running partnership with Tommy Cannon? Some of his other roles were in Last of the Summer Wine, Mount Pleasant, and Benidorm. Tragically, he passed away in October 2020.
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2025-06-12 15:34