‘Outnumbered’ fans rejoice at news of new Christmas special

Fans of BBC sitcom Outnumbered are rejoicing at the news that the show is returning for a new special this Christmas.

It was announced today (May 23) that the show about the Brockman family will be back later in the year for its first new episode since a one-off in 2016.

Created by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, Outnumbered ran for five seasons from 2007 to 2014, and now it has been confirmed that all of the original cast members, including High Dennis and Claire Skinner, will return for the new instalment.

It will catch up with Pete and Sue Brockman as they attempt to navigate a family Christmas with their now-fully-grown children and their new grandchild. The preview suggests that among the obstacles to a peaceful family time will be “fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services”.

The show was famous for being semi-improvised, with the child actors usually being given last-minute instructions by the writers instead of them learning full scripts. Those actors – Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez – will all be returning.

Announcing the special on social media, fans of the show were quick to share their excitement, with one Instagram user writing: “The best news, can’t wait, love this show.”

Many pointed out that Outnumbered is just one among a group of announced specials for the 2024 Christmas season to get excited about.

“Fantastic! The Christmas schedule on the BBC looks brilliant for Xmas,” wrote another Instagram user. “Wallace and Gromit (new), Outnumbered (new), Gavin and Stacey (new), Mrs Brown’s Boys (new), Blankety Blank (new), Strictly special, Doctor Who Special, and more!”

Another said: “Doctor Who, Gavin and Stacey and Outnumbered. Christmas Day telly is a thing again. Hasn’t been good in a decade.”

In February, it was confirmed that Gavin and Stacey was making a comeback this Christmas after five years, with the new episode set to be filmed over the summer. There is also an as-yet-untitled new Wallace & Gromit film due out at the end of the year, which was first announced back in 2022.

Check out some other reactions to the new Outnumbered episode below:

Outnumbered, Wallace and gromit, doctor who and gavin and Stacey all back at Christmas? Omg pinch me

— John Hunt (@YesImAHunt) May 23, 2024

Gavin and Stacey AND #Outnumbered this Christmas pic.twitter.com/jaMRi72EL8

— Darren (@EastieOaks) May 23, 2024

OUTNUMBERED IS BACK FOR CHRISTMAS pic.twitter.com/f4QFugOkkX

— sam ♡ (@lernjergi_xo) May 23, 2024

gavin and stacey and outnumbered https://t.co/tiCg981RRP pic.twitter.com/tUWIv0VqSc

— Meg (@withcyborgs) May 23, 2024

OUTNUMBERED CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ????? pic.twitter.com/s0NEoblsvf

— marcy 🍉 (@coolgirlmarcy) May 23, 2024