'I simply fancied a change'

Tim Vine has quit BBC One’s hit sitcom Not Going Out.

The stand-up has announced that he is leaving after the current fifth series, saying he is ready for something new.

He said: ‘I’m great friends with everyone on the cast and I’ve had a great time doing it but after five series I simply fancied a change.’

Although the BBC axed the show in 2009, it subsequently had a change of heart, and has already commissioned two more series, taking it up to 2014. The decision paid off, as the sitcom now attracts audiences of up to 4.7million for a single showing.

Co-star and series creator Lee Mack joked: ‘Tim? Is he the blond one?’

Last year it was reported that Vine was to quit his role as Mack’s best friend, also called Tim, after the fourth series, but that proved premature.

The show has survived several previous cast changes. American actress Megan Dodds was Mack’s flatmate in the first series, but left to be replaced by Sally Breton; while Miranda Hart quit her role as clumsy cleaner Barbara as her own sitcom started to take off at the end of 2009.

The final episode of series five – Vine’s last – airs tonight.

Published: 18 May 2012