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
Greg Davies and Alex Horne to host Taskmaster live on stage in Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Think you’ve got what it takes to impress the Taskmaster?
Global comedy gameshow sensation, Taskmaster, is set to bring its multi award-winning chaos to Manchester next year, as its first (and only) UK performance ever. Aren’t we lucky?
Following the show‘s roaring success in the USA earlier this year, Taskmaster Live On Stage is set to return in 2027, for two shows only – one taking over our very-own AO Arena, and the other being held at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Audiences can expect a high-energy and hilarious show from the one and only Taskmaster, Greg Davies, and his trusty sidekick Alex Horne, joined by some very special celebrity guests as live contestants.
To give you a flavour of what’s to come, Taskmaster Live On Stage was previously joined by comedians such as Jason Manztoukas, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, and Lisa Gilroy, so we can expect a similar star-studded special guestlist next year.
Alongside three celebrities, the remaining live contestant places will be available to two lucky audience members, who will have a chance to impress the Taskmaster.
Don’t worry if you’re not selected though, as there’ll also be brand-new special stage tasks for the entire audience to get involved with, and the Taskmaster will then judge the efforts of these brave souls to crown one as the Mancunian Taskmaster Live On Stage Champion – quite the mouthful, we know.
“I am thrilled that my tiny assistant and I are to bring Taskmaster to such illustrious venues,” commented Taskmaster Greg Davies.
“Whilst on one hand it feels daunting, on the other it feels like destiny. Rest assured my judgements will remain even handed and every effort will be made for everyone to have a good time, except Alex.”
Taskmaster Live On Stage will be coming to Manchester’s AO Arena next May.
Pre-sale tickets will be exclusively offered to the Taskmaster mailing list on 14 October, while general sale tickets will be released on Friday 16 October, and you can sign up to the mailing list for pre-sale access HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
TV & Showbiz
Celebrity chef James Martin closes Manchester restaurant after more than a decade
Daisy Jackson
James Martin Manchester has closed its doors, bringing an end to the chef’s decade-long restaurant partnership with casino Manchester235.
Metropolitan Gaming announced on 1 October that its partnership with James Martin and his team had concluded, with the restaurant operation at the city centre venue ending on the same day.
The partnership dates back to 2012, meaning James Martin Manchester had been part of the Manchester235 experience for more than 14 years.
During that time, the restaurant became an established part of the venue’s food and drink offering, with Metropolitan Gaming describing the collaboration as ‘successful and valued’.
The company also credited James Martin and his team with contributing to Manchester’s wider food and dining scene, as well as providing high-quality dining for Manchester235 guests.
Maxine Gibbons, Venue Director at Manchester235, thanked the chef and his team for their contribution to the venue.
She said: “Our partnership with James Martin and his team has been an important part of Manchester235’s story since 2012.
“We would like to thank James and everyone who has been part of the James Martin Manchester team over the years for their commitment, hard work and the memorable experiences they have created for our guests.”
Gibbons added that the team had made a ‘significant contribution’ to Manchester235’s food and beverage experience and wished James Martin and his colleagues ‘every success for the future’.
The closure will not result in affected employees losing their jobs, with Metropolitan Gaming confirming that any employees impacted by the restaurant’s closure have been retained within the business.
Customers with existing restaurant reservations will also be contacted directly by Manchester235 regarding cancellations.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2024 
