BBC comedy returning for Christmas special for first time in 8 years

'Outnumbered' is returning for a 2024 Christmas special - for the first time in eight years.

The BBC One comedy will be back on screens for the first time since the programme returned for a festive special in 2016, two years after the show had come to an end after five series and three previous specials.

In the forthcoming festive episode, Hugh Dennis will reprise his role as dad Pete and Claire Skinner will be back as mum Sue.

The 40-minute special will follow the chaos in the downsized home of the Brockmans, as they grapple with the challenges of parenting kids who are now adults, with their own lives to lead.

Tyger Drew-Honey is to return as eldest son Jake, while Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez will be back as the middle child Ben, and daughter Karen respectively.

Hugh said: "I can’t wait for the Brockmans to be back together again.

"Pete and Sue have downsized, the children are no longer children, but I’m sure family life will prove to be just as chaotic as ever."

Claire added: "I’m really looking forward to being reunited with my TV family.

"Working on this wonderful BBC comedy doesn’t feel like work and is one of the greatest joys for us all."

In the episode, Sue and Pete will gather all their offspring - including one grandchild - together in an attempt to celebrate a traditional family Christmas.

However, fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services get in their way.

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, said: "'Outnumbered' is one of the crown jewels of British sitcoms.

"We're so grateful to Guy, Andy, Hattrick, and the cast for dusting it off and putting it back on display."

The show's creators, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, have written and directed the special episode, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Andy said: "It’s a very exciting prospect to be revisiting the Brockman family - older, but not necessarily wiser - as they steer a path through the perils of Christmas and the rapids of modern-day family life."

Guy added: "I really wanted to find out what the Brockmans were up to these days, so Andy and I had to write this special."