Tim Vine: Net Worth, Friendship & Leaving Not Going Out

Anyone who’s tried to tell a joke at a family gathering and seen the room groan knows the feeling Tim Vine has built an entire career on. He’s the comedian who makes you laugh at the sheer audacity of the pun, and his journey from a sitcom regular to a full-time touring headliner raises a few questions along the way. This profile sorts out the confirmed facts about Tim Vine from the fuzzy speculation, looking at his career, his relationships, and why he really left his most famous show.

Born: 4 March 1967 ·
Known for: Puns and one-liner comedy ·
Notable role: Lee in Not Going Out (2006–2012) ·
Brother: Jeremy Vine (broadcaster) ·
Net worth: Not publicly disclosed

The following table summarizes Tim Vine’s personal details.

How much is Tim Vine worth?

There is no publicly verified figure for Tim Vine’s net worth from primary financial disclosure or official records, according to Civic Report (a media analysis outlet). That hasn’t stopped a range of unverified estimates.

CelebrityNetWorth lists Tim Vine’s net worth at $3 million, while Mediamass publishes a much higher estimated figure, but this source is widely considered unreliable for factual data.

Bottom line: Tim Vine’s net worth is the subject of internet guesswork, not financial disclosure.

Are Lee Mack and Tim Vine still friends?

Tim Vine’s exit from Not Going Out in 2012 didn’t just end a sitcom role; it also closed a chapter on one of TV’s most well-known off-screen friendships. Lee Mack, who created and stars in the show, and Tim Vine are known to be close friends on and off screen, according to a BBC profile of Tim Vine.

The pair’s friendship is often highlighted in interviews. In 2012, Digital Spy reported that Vine said he did not want to do Not Going Out forever, a sentiment that suggests a mutual, practical understanding rather than a falling out.

What is Lee Mack’s real job?

Lee Mack is a comedian, actor, and writer, but his “real job” is best described as a sitcom star, given he created and starred in Not Going Out. He also presents the panel show Would I Lie to You?

How many children does Lee Mack have?

Lee Mack has two children, but specific details about them are reported in interviews and not officially documented in a consistent public record.

Is Lee Mack a millionaire?

Lee Mack’s net worth is estimated in tabloids but not verified; these figures are not confirmed by any official source.

Was Lee Mack a drinker?

Lee Mack’s drinking habits are not publicly confirmed, and there is no verified information to suggest he is a heavy drinker.

Are David Mitchell and Lee Mack friends in real life?

David Mitchell and Lee Mack are friends in real life, but the details of their relationship are anecdotal and not a matter of public record.

Why did Tim Vine quit Not Going Out?

Tim Vine left the show after the 2012 series, and the most commonly cited explanation is simple: he wanted a change. A British Comedy Guide report says Tim Vine played Lee Mack’s best friend in the show and appeared in 34 episodes, leaving after five series to concentrate on new projects.

The BBC profile places his tenure from 2006 to 2012, and he has not ruled out a return. 2012 Chortle reported that he quit the show, and Premier Christianity quotes him saying he did five series and wanted a change.

Why did Megan Dodds leave Not Going Out?

Megan Dodds left after the first series due to other commitments, though the specifics are not widely reported.

Why did Daisy leave Not Going Out?

Daisy, played by Fiona Allen, left after the 2009 series; the reasons were not widely reported.

Will Tim Vine ever return to Not Going Out?

No official announcement of a return has been made as of 2025. However, Lee Mack has expressed openness to Vine’s return in interviews, citing their friendship as a reason to keep the door open.

Bottom line: Tim Vine’s return is a possibility, but no concrete plans exist.

Are Jeremy and Tim Vine related?

Yes, a BBC profile confirms Tim is the younger brother of broadcaster Jeremy Vine, known for hosting Crimewatch and his radio show.

Is Tim Vine married?

Tim Vine’s marital status is not publicly confirmed; he has kept his personal life private.

Is Tim Vine in a relationship?

His relationship status is private; there is no confirmed public information on his romantic life.

Is Tim Vine a Christian?

Tim Vine’s religious affiliation is not publicly known, but he has given interviews to Premier Christianity, a religious magazine, which might lead to speculation.

Timeline of Tim Vine’s career

• 4 March 1967 – Tim Vine born in Cheam, Surrey (IMDb)
• 2001 – Appeared in The Sketch Show, gaining early recognition (Wikipedia)
• 2006–2012 – Played Lee in the sitcom Not Going Out (Wikipedia)
• 2012 – Left Not Going Out (Chortle)
• 2020 – Appeared in the film Fearmoth (IMDb)
• Ongoing – Performs live stand-up tours (Tim Vine tour) (TimVine.com)

This timeline highlights the key shifts in his career from sitcom to live stage.

Confirmed facts vs. open questions

Several facts about Tim Vine are confirmed across tier-one sources. The BBC identifies him as a writer, actor, comedian, and presenter, and he is perhaps best known for his role in Not Going Out. The Not Going Out Wiki (a fan-run encyclopedia) adds that he played Lee from 2006 to 2012 and returned for a cameo in 2014, a detail that extends his tenure in the public eye.

The pattern: while many core facts are confirmed, significant aspects of Vine’s personal life remain unverified.

Quotes about Tim Vine

“Tim Vine is a writer, actor, comedian, and presenter.”

BBC profile

“Tim Vine is best known for his puns and other one-liners.”

Wikipedia

For fans of British comedy, the takeaway is clear: Tim Vine’s legacy is built on the strength of his live performances and his sitcom stint, not on financial speculation. Whether he returns to Not Going Out is secondary to the fact that he’s still making audiences laugh on his own terms.

Frequently asked questions

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