Romance

Romance was the first episode of series eight of Not Going Out and originally aired on 13 January 2017.

Synopsis
Lee and Lucy have moved into a new home, and have three children: Charlie, Benji and Molly. But their romance seems to be suffering as a result of their children, especially as Lee springs a shock on Lucy when she forgets their wedding anniversary. She does her best to make up for it, but it will soon be Lee with something to make up for.

Plot
Lee is worried about the loss of intimacy in his marriage with Lucy. They haven't had a night away together since the birth of the kids, and Lucy's priority is to ensure they are safe and healthy. Later on that day, Lee prepares a romantic meal for him and Lucy, and they discuss the lack of romance in their relationship. Lucy insists that she loves him and that she will always be romantic with him. Lee then drops on Lucy that it is in fact their wedding anniversary - Lucy is stunned, shocked and speechless that she has forgotten.

Lee looks to have one up on Lucy on a very rare occasion, and will use this to his advantage to make Lucy feel as guilty as possible - Lucy tries to redeem herself with a cake and a surprise gift package. Lee notices that there is no cheese in the pack which Lucy adds to her redeem list. In retaliation, Lucy reminds Lee of his 'romantic' gift on their last anniversary: a set of Tefal saucepans.

Geoffrey and Wendy turn up at the house to wish them happy anniversary - Lucy invites them in and Lee goes to the pub with Toby. Lucy doesn't mention to them that she forgot it, with Geoffrey believing Lucy made all the effort and Lee did nothing. Wendy gives her advice that they should try and spend more time together. As a result, Lucy books tickets for the Orient Express train - one of Lee's dreams, and Geoffrey and Wendy offer to baby-sit the kids.

While having dinner on the train, Lucy phones home to find out how the children are with her parents. During the phone call, Geoffrey reveals that it wasn't just Lucy who forgot, but Lee didn't have a clue either - at the start of the episode, Lee was finishing a phone call with Geoffrey, which turns out to be the first time Lee realised what day it was. Lucy quizzes Lee on why Geoffrey called on the morning of their anniversary, to which Lee cannot figure out a clear cut answer. Lee continues to claim that he is the romantic partner in the relationship, but he cannot even tell Lucy the colour of her eyes. A huge row follows in the presence of several other couples on the carriage which results in Lucy thieving the posh salt cellar and Lee licking his plate clean with lots of disgusted onlookers.

Lucy heads back to the cabin and leaves Lee at the table. Lee goes to the cabin where a fuming Lucy continues the feud. Lee plays the role of a upper-class captain, and Lucy eventually gives in and forgives Lee.

Main cast

 * Lee Mack as Lee
 * Sally Bretton as Lucy
 * Geoffrey Whitehead as Geoffrey
 * Deborah Grant as Wendy
 * Hugh Dennis as Toby
 * Francesca Newman as Molly
 * Max Pattison as Benji
 * Finley Southby as Charlie

Crew

 * Producer - Jamie Rix
 * Writer - Lee Mack
 * Writer - Daniel Peak