Legendary BBC comedy returning to screens for Christmas special as it celebrates huge milestone

THE BBC has confirmed that one of its most popular sitcoms will celebrate its huge 100 episode milestone with a special this Christmas.

Created by comedian Lee Mack, Not Going Out will air its 100th edition this Christmas in news that looks set to delight fans.

It means the show has firmly cemented itself as the longest-running UK sitcom currently on air.

Lee will be back as his self-titled character alongside Sally Bretton as Lucy as the pair attempt to have the most perfect family Christmas.

In the special episode, the pair will opt to do something more charitable and hope that 'nothing goes wrong'.

They allow a resident of a nearby care home, Wilfred, to come to their house for Christmas Day.

Lee and Lucy are given one instruction - Wilfred must not drink alcohol under any circumstances.

Will Lee be able to create the Christmas of dreams for his friends and family?

Hugh Dennis and Abigail Cruttenden co-star as Toby and Anna alongside Deborah Grant and Geoffrey Whitehead as Lucy's mum and dad.

Not Going Out first launched in 2006 and seen a wealth of famed British sitcom stars appear during its epic run.

The show aired its thirteenth series earlier this year to critical acclaim.

Lee previously cast doubt over the show continuing on beyond past this year's Christmas special.

He told The Sun: “We’ll have reached 100 episodes by the time we’ve finished this latest series and - as I am quite obsessive about numbers - that could be a nice, round number to end on.

“Either that or we go on until we’ve reached 200!”

Reflecting on its success in 2018, Lee said: “Everyone told me that British sitcom was dead.

“Then I looked at Seinfeld and Frasier and thought, ‘No it’s not, it just needs more gags.’”