December 19th 2024.
Outnumbered is not afraid to tackle difficult issues that families face. This spoiler contains a spoiler for the Outnumbered Christmas special.
The Outnumbered Christmas special for 2024 is addressing a common health diagnosis that affects people all over the country. The aim is to make viewers who are also dealing with this disease feel less alone. The episode, which airs on Boxing Day, brings back the Brockman family after eight years. The family is led by parents Pete and Sue, and their three children Jake, Ben, and Karen, who are now young adults living on their own.
Along with the usual witty humor and chaos that comes with a Brockman family gathering, the special also introduces a new adorable family member and an unwanted houseguest. However, amidst all the festive fun, Pete drops a bombshell - he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. At a preview screening and Q&A for Outnumbered, writers Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin revealed their goal to end the stigma around cancer and showcase a honest and humorous depiction of telling loved ones about a cancer diagnosis.
The writers explain that while Outnumbered is known for its delightful children, the show has always tackled serious issues such as dementia, death, and homophobia. This time, it's no different, except that the children are now grown and have to face their father's cancer diagnosis. The writers wanted to show how families deal with difficult situations through humor and warmth, which is a very British way of coping.
In the special, Pete has to talk to his children about his diagnosis, which is something the writers have personally experienced. They also believe that millions of families across the country have had similar conversations, including the Royal family. Cancer still carries a stigma, and the writers wanted to show that it is a normal part of life and that the Brockmans handle it with love, warmth, and humor.
The writers also wanted to highlight how humor is an essential survival skill in distressing situations. They wanted to showcase a common conversation that millions of families have had, and hope that it will be relatable and comforting for viewers. The special also features plenty of laughs, including from new character Zara.
The episode also sheds light on the symptoms of prostate cancer, such as increased frequency of urination, difficulty starting and stopping, weak flow, and blood in urine. Actor Hugh Dennis, who plays Pete, shared that he was proud to be a part of this storyline and hopes that it encourages people to get checked.
Outnumbered first aired for five series from 2007 to 2014, and a Christmas special in 2016. The special attracted an average of seven million viewers and left fans wanting more. The show will now return on Boxing Day at 9:40pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Lastly, for those who have been diagnosed with cancer or have a loved one who has, Macmillan offers support and information. You can reach them through their helpline, webchat service, or website. And if you have a story to share, you can contact the entertainment team to submit it.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
