Not Going Out, the hit sitcom written by and starring Lee Mack, is to return for an eighth series.

The news has yet to be officially confirmed by the BBC, but tickets have now been released for script read-throughs. Production company Avalon's website says: "Tickets have just been released for the eighth series of Rose d'Or and RTS award-winning sitcom Not Going Out starring BAFTA winner Lee Mack."

It also confirms that Sally Bretton who plays Lee's wife Lucy, and Hugh Dennis who plays neighbour Toby, will return for the new series. However, notably it doesn't mention Katy Wix, who plays Daisy, so it is currently unclear if she is returning or not.

In December, Lee Mack confirmed he wanted to make more, and that the show might have more of a family element. Speaking in a TV interview, he said: "We are now talking about a possible new series where we will be doing the more family stuff."

He also confirmed he had begun writing the scripts, saying: "It is quite weird writing about family life. We've slowed it down a bit, less jokes and more childrens' nappies."

He added: "We're talking about cutting to 5 years from now and having a family with lots of children. That's how we're thinking of doing it - not that it's confirmed."

The new series - which could yet be broadcast as a sequel programme rather than Series 8 - is expected to be recorded and broadcast later this year. The BBC is expected to make an official announcement shortly on the future of the show.

The read-throughs will take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th April in London. Fans of the show can apply for free tickets via tvrecordings.com