A new house and family addition are just the tip of the iceberg as the Brockmans return this Christmas for the first Outnumbered special since 2016.
The much-loved BBC sitcom which focused on a couple bringing up their three young children, first aired in 2007 and it’s safe to say that a lot has changed for the characters since then - the kids are now adults for starters.
Written and directed by the show's creators, Huy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, the new special will air on BBC One on Boxing Day.
Original cast members Hugh Dennis as dad Pete, Claire Skinner as mum Sue, Tyger Drew-Honey as eldest son Jake, Daniel Roche as the middle child Ben, and Ramona marques as daughter, Karen, are all on-board.
Last month’s Children In Need sketch served as a taster with the special following the chaos in the downsized home of Pete and Sue Brockman, as they grapple with the challenges of parenting kids who are now adults, with their own lives to lead.
The official synopsis reads: “In a moment of adversity, Sue and Pete gather all their offspring (including one grandchild) to try and celebrate a traditional family Christmas and share some unwelcome news with their children. But fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services get in their way.”
Giving an insight into how Sue and Pete are adapting to a new home, Dennis said: “Well it seems a lot tidier so they are coping well, but whether that's the case over Christmas, spending the festive period in a small house, remains to be seen.”
Skinner added: “I think they are coping quite well, they like their own space but Sue misses the kids but doesn't miss the element of chaos.”
As for how they are doing as empty nesters, Dennis said: “I think they do [miss the kids], but they are pleased to have some time on their own even if they do find themselves just talking about the children like all parents do when their children have left home.”
They have a grandchild now as a consolation as Jake now has a little girl.
Talking about how Jake is taking to fatherhood, Drew-Honey said: “Jake absolutely adores his child and is very much in love with the mother of his child but he has been having struggles with fatherhood as any parents of small children can relate. Especially the lack of sleep and his daughter's tendency to impersonate animals.”
Drawn on which of his onscreen siblings his daughter most takes after, he said: “If I had to compare her personality to either Karen or Ben when they were younger, I'd say she's got more of a Ben personality. She's got some of the genes that Ben and I got from Dad.”
Outnumbered Christmas Special airs December 26 at 9:40pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
