Not Going Out creator Lee Mack has revealed that he wants Tommy Cannon to make a poignant guest appearance in the next series of the long-running comedy.

Cannon's long-term comedy partner Bobby Ball, who played Mack's father in the show, died at the age of 76 last October after contracting coronavirus.

Ball's death came just weeks after he finished recording the most recent series, the final episode of which airs on BBC One next week.

"I'm thinking of starting the next series with a funeral," Mack told The Sun. "And Tommy - I'm thinking of having him as the priest, and also bring some comics of that generation.

"Bring in all his mates, as in my dad's mates, who I've never met. That will be the story.

"I want to see a scene which opens up with Sid Little, Freddie Parrot-Face Davies and the like, all just sitting round. It would be marvellous."

The BBC has already renewed the show for two more series, the first of which is expected to air later this year.