The BBC has announced that one of its best-loved sitcoms is returning for a one-off special this Christmas.
That’s right… The Brockmans are back.
Eight years since it graced our TV screens with its last Christmas special back in 2016, it’s just been announced that the award-winning comedy series, Outnumbered, is back for more this festive season, with a one-off special episode written and directed by the show’s original creators, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the BBC show, or never got the chance to tune in when it originally aired, Outnumbered ran for five series between 2007 to 2014, and became massively-popular thanks to being both a scripted programme but with scenes featuring the children being semi-improvised.
All the stars of the original much-loved series are returning for the new Christmas special – including Hugh Dennis as dad Pete, Claire Skinner as mum Sue, Tyger Drew-Honey as eldest son Jake, Daniel Roche as middle child Ben, and Ramona Marquez as the youngest daughter, Karen.
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Fancy finding out what the Brockmans did next?#Outnumbered is back for a Christmas Special on the BBC
Just as fans of the show have come to know, expect, and ultimately, love, the broadcaster says this new Christmas special will follow 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.
In a moment of adversity, Sue and Pete gather all their offspring to try and celebrate a traditional family Christmas, but fate, neighbours, hyenas, and bus replacement services get in their way.
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Ahead of the Brockmans’ return later this year, co-creator, writer, and director, Andy Hamilton, commented: “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.”
Outnumbered ran for five series between 2007 to 2014 / Credit: BBC
Star Hugh Dennis says he “can’t wait” for the Brockmans to be “back together again.”
Claire Skinner also shares her fellow co-star’s view, adding: “I’m really looking forward to being reunited with my TV family, as working on this wonderful BBC comedy doesn’t feel like work and is one of the greatest joys for us all.”
Outnumbered will be returning to BBC One and BBC iPlayer during the 2024 festive season, with an exact air date to be announced in due course.
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
More adult virgins needed for next series of Channel 4’s hit reality show Virgin Island
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
You may remember that early last year, we brought you the breaking highly-important news that Channel 4 was currently in the process of producing a new reality TV series that, at the time, had the working title of ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ and was looking for a group of adult virgins to apply to take part, if they were brave enough.
But now, well over a year on, we all know that show turned out to be the hit show Virgin Island – which has just finished airing its first series this week.
Channel 4 needs more adult virgins for the potential next series of its hit reality TV show Virgin Island / Credit: Channel 4
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before, as it follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
Virgin Island aims to help young people overcome their insecurities around intimacy and sex / Credit: Channel 4
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic literary and film sagas of the 21st century is celebrating 20 years since the first book was published next year.
And to celebrate this milestone moment, you’ll be able to watch the first film live in dozens of cities across the UK surrounded by the beauty of more than a thousand candles while a live orchestra plays the soundtrack to accompany.
That’s right, Twilight in Concert is coming to Manchester.
Undeniably one of the most successful young adult film franchises of all time, with five films (Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2) to its name, The Twilight Saga has impressively grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester / Credit: Supplied
The films were adapted from author Stephenie Meyer’s acclaimed literary series that won multiple awards over its time, sold more than 160 million copies worldwide, and was translated into 49 different languages.
But no matter whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, Twilight In Concert promises to be an unforgettable event for fans of the belovedfranchise, two decades on.
Set in an enchanting candlelit setting, TwilightIn Concert offers fans a unique opportunity to re-live the film that started it all, while musicians take the stage to perform the beloved score in perfect synchronisation with the original movie presented in its entirety on a cinema-size screen.
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians / Credit: Supplied
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians to transport you on a journey deep into the heart of Forks.
Twilight in Concert will be stopping off at 12 other major UK cities on its tour, including other northern hubs such as Sheffield, York, and Liverpool, as well as arriving at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Friday 6 February 2026.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2024 
