Hugh Dennis reveals how Outnumbered could return following his big Mock the Week comeback

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Hugh Dennis, the comedian and actor, was back on Mock the Week last weekend, and he’s hinted that the popular sitcom Outnumbered might make a comeback.

Dennis regularly appeared on the BBC’s satirical panel show Mock the Week throughout its run from 2005 to 2022, featuring in every episode. The show was recently brought back by TLC with Dara Ó Briain returning as host, but Dennis wasn’t involved this time. He also reprised his role in Channel 4’s thriller The Couple Next Door last year.

TopMob recently caught up with Dennis behind the scenes after he filmed his first episode in two years. They asked how it felt to be back. “It was a little strange at first, but then I realized I was really enjoying it – I always have,” said the star of ‘Not Going Out’.

Over time, the show has changed a lot. It used to be a chaotic and aggressive environment, but now it’s much more respectful and allows for genuine conversation, with everyone listening to each other instead of interrupting.

Even after appearing in nearly 200 episodes of the show, Dennis confessed to feeling anxious before going on air. He admitted, ‘I always get nervous beforehand, and I don’t understand how some people don’t! It seems crazy to me. You’re putting yourself out there, and there’s always the chance the audience won’t laugh. It’s a very vulnerable feeling, so being nervous is perfectly natural.’

After the show came back on TLC, many viewers wondered why Dennis wasn’t a main cast member anymore. He explained that after the last season finished, he felt like that chapter was closed and he moved on to other projects.

I initially agreed to just a couple of episodes because I’m busy with other projects. I had just finished a five-month run in the West End, and I’m currently working on a writing project, so I limited myself to two episodes.

After filming wrapped up, Dennis said he regretted not offering to contribute more to the project. He stated, “Now, I realize I should have said I was able to do more.”

Dennis admitted the show was more emotionally demanding than he anticipated. He explained it’s incredibly stressful having to memorize so much information, and it’s definitely not relaxing. He jokingly pointed out the show’s production company is named Angst for a very fitting reason.

Dennis, recently back on TV in a comedy role, has thought about returning to the sitcom Outnumbered. He jokes that his usual answer about a possible return is that children don’t move out until they’re forty, so it’s not entirely out of the question.

However, a show needs a central theme. What made Outnumbered successful was that it always focused on something relatable, and viewers could easily see themselves in the situations the family faced – they’d think, ‘That’s just like us!’

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Authors

Toby Earle

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2026-02-18 15:07