Fans of Outnumbered are in for an emotional rollercoaster this Christmas as the holiday special delivers a poignant storyline, with dad Peter Brockman, portrayed by Hugh Dennis, disclosing his prostate cancer diagnosis. Returning after an eight-year hiatus, the upcoming Boxing Day episode of the acclaimed BBC comedy-drama will see the Brockmans coping with the news during their festive celebrations. The treasured family sitcom welcomes back beloved characters Peter and Sue, played by Claire Skinner, as they await their adult children’s homecoming. As they navigate the sensitive timing to share Peter’s condition with Jake, Ben, and Karen, the narrative unfolds in the authentic, touching manner that has endeared the series to audiences.
Echoing the plot’s heartfelt theme, Hugh, who is 62 and also a patron of Prostate Cancer UK, spoke recently at a screening about the personal resonance of the story. He shared his own connection to the disease, remarking: “Every family pretty much has had experience of that kind of stuff. My dad had cancer at 66 and survived until he was 88. It’s touched everyone. As well as it being a story which resonates, I’m sort of delighted if anybody goes and gets checked out, that’s a sort of little victory, isn’t it.”
(Image: BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)
In the highly anticipated episode, viewers will see Peter break the difficult news to his children—Jake, Ben, and Karen—as Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche, and Ramona Marquez, return to portray the now-grownup siblings. With Peter reassuring them about his positive prognosis and the prospect of a routine surgery, the series’ warmth is sure to capture hearts all over again, culminating in a moving speech that concludes the episode.
(Image: BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)
Hugh disclosed how moved he was by a particular scene, “I did find the speech very moving,” he confided. “I thought it was beautifully written. When they finally take the p*** out of me after what I think is a very deep and meaningful speech, that struck me as tremendously realistic,” reports the Mirror.
The show, known for its blend of poignancy and humour, didn’t shy away from comedy in this heartfelt sequence. Co-star Daniel let slip that their initial jokes were a bit too sharp, resulting in a re-shoot. “We had to go back to redo that because we were too mean!”
Eager fans have been buzzing on Instagram about the upcoming episode – one penned: “Can’t wait and so glad it is back. I love Outnumbered and I will definitely be watching it!”, while another expressed anticipation: “Cannot wait! The only special I’m excited about! Happily bring it back for a whole series please.” Another said: “Can’t wait for this – so glad they’ve brought out a Christmas special,” and a fourth fan noted: “I’m sorry but this has made my Christmas! Cannot wait to be back with the Brockman’s.”
(Image: BBC)
However, an image released showed Tyger, portraying Jake, looking distinctly weary, prompting concern amongst the fanbase until reassurances circulated that it was just makeup for filming.
One viewer clarified, “It’s just makeup due to the storyline they are doing, won’t say if not read. He hasn’t actually got those rings around his eyes.” Another fan chimed in: “If you read the reviews he’s got a daughter who doesn’t sleep in the show.”
The show’s creators, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, have returned to write and direct the special. Andy shared that the storyline is treated with “love, affection, resilience and laughter”.
(Image: BBC)
Set in the downsized home of Pete and Sue, along with the original cast, there’s also a new grandchild – who brings extra hilarity with her animal impressions. With neighbourly disputes over taking in never-ending deliveries of packages and a visitor overstaying their welcome – it touches upon themes families up and down the country will be facing this Christmas.
Outnumbered aired for five series from 2007 to 2014. The team reunited for a Christmas special in 2016, but there have been no new episodes since then. While the sitcom was scripted, many scenes featuring the children were famously semi-improvised. Hugh and Claire, who are married on screen, confirmed their real-life relationship in 2018.
The Outnumbered Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday 26th December at 9:40pm .
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