BBC Beyond Paradise's Sally Bretton returns to beloved role after heartbreaking farewell to co-star

Sally Bretton is set to reprise her role as Lucy in the hit sitcom Not Going Out, starring alongside Lee Mack. The show, which features Lee as a fictionalised version of himself and Sally as his on-screen wife, is gearing up for its 14th season next month.

Lee Mack expressed his joy about returning to the series, saying: "I am delighted that the BBC are once again showing such great support for studio sitcom."

He humorously added: "It's a genre I've always loved, and to be able to be part of it myself for so many years is both a privilege and an excuse not to have to shop, as I always take the underpants they give me home."

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Jon Petrie, BBC's Director of Comedy, praised the show: "'Not Going Out' is in rude health as it passes its centenary episode, and that's due to the incredible creativity of Lee Mack, who has the most amazing ability to pack a show full of jokes."

He also teased fans with what's to come: "We're excited for audiences to find out what the new chapter looks like for Lee and Lucy," reports .

The forthcoming season promises a fresh twist, with a time jump for the characters Lee and Lucy and a novel format in which each episode unfolds over a 30-minute period.

The show's teaser hints at the storyline: "Series 14 now rolls the story on several years again, with the couple moving away from their suburban 'empty nest' and finding plenty of time to focus on each other... what could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: quite a lot! )."

In related news, the third series of Beyond Paradise recently concluded, bringing emotional turmoil for Sally's character, Martha, and Kris Marshall's character, Humphrey Goodman.

In a deeply moving episode, the couple on their fostering journey had to bid farewell to their foster daughter, Rosie.

The emotional scenes saw Martha's mother, Anne (played by Barbara Flynn), embrace Rosie with a poignant hug, telling her: "Take care of yourself, won't you?"

Martha, unable to hold back tears, hugged Rosie tightly and reassured her: "You're family now. So, if you ever need anything."

Humphrey chimed in, "Yes, anything at all," with Martha affirming, "We are only a phone call away."

Rosie, caught between emotions, asked: "Is it ok to be happy and sad at the same time?" Martha tenderly responded: "Of course it is."

"That is how I feel, then," said Rosie, visibly moved, before she took her leave from the couple.

Beyond Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.