As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of TV sitcoms over the years, it is truly heartwarming to see the Brockman family reunite for their upcoming Christmas special. The nostalgia triggered by this reunion is reminiscent of opening a time capsule filled with cherished memories from my youth.
It can be difficult coordinating everyone in the family for Christmas, which may explain why the cast of Outnumbered hasn’t begun filming their upcoming holiday special for their “then and now” photoshoot.
Actually, this gathering marks the long-awaited reunion of the entire cast, a fact that didn’t hinder the actors playing their on-screen children from affectionately calling Claire Skinner and Hugh Dennis “Mom” and “Dad” during discussions.
It seems fitting that the Brockmans often procrastinate until the last moment, a trait that viewers have come to know and appreciate over five seasons (including specials) of the BBC sitcom from 2007 to 2016. The show’s charm lies in its portrayal of an ordinary family with plenty of chaos, and the three young actors were allowed to improvise without scripts, allowing for more genuine performances.
In 2008, when the family photo (shown below) was taken, Ramona Marquez was six years old, Daniel Roche was eight, and Tyger Drew-Honey was thirteen. However, reading an interview with Drew-Honey now leaves him puzzled. He comments, “It says I aspire to be an actor, but if that doesn’t work out, then I’ll likely pursue a degree in criminology and join the police force.” His on-screen family and parents laugh as he adds, “But I can’t recall a moment when I ever desired to do any of that!
Now that all three of their children, Karen, Ben, and Jake, are adults in their twenties, they’ve moved out and grown independent. “Pete and Sue have reduced the size of their home and enjoy a tranquil lifestyle – however, deep down, they do miss having their kids around,” says Skinner at 58 years old. “And what’s more, they’re overjoyed to be grandparents!
Dennis, who is 62 with two kids of his own like Skinner, shares that they’re eager, just as any parents would be, to have their children back for the upcoming holiday celebration. He explains that the roles shift over time – while you spend a lifetime caring for your children, eventually you come to realize that the situation has reversed, and your children are now looking after you!
Managing to reunite the Brockman family for this special installment turned out to be simpler than anticipated. Interestingly enough, following their on-screen breakup, it appears that Dennis and Skinner have developed a romantic relationship off-camera. “Claire and I spend quite a bit of time together,” Dennis jokes, skillfully steering clear of probing questions regarding his private affairs. “Occasionally,” Marquez chuckles in response.
For 28-year-old Drew-Honey, who plays sardonic eldest child Jake, it was an “instantaneous yes”.
He had considered Outnumbered as a part of his past, so when he received the email, he couldn’t help but cry from happiness, he explains. Marquez and Roche, aged 22 and 25 respectively, shared this sentiment. Unlike their older counterpart who continued acting, these two had mostly distanced themselves from show business. However, they are now eager to re-enter the industry once more.
As a teenage cinephile, job opportunities in my field were scarce, so I found myself immersed in the world of rugby during my time at King’s College London, where I proudly represented the team as a player.
Marquez comments, ‘It’s great to return to this,’ reflecting on his hiatus from acting during A-levels, university, and other commitments. He resumed acting seriously just last year.
It’s pleasant to have the opportunity to delve into new interests on my own accord, rather than feeling as though it’s an obligation that has been with me since I was just five years old.
Different from numerous child actors, the Outnumbered children appear to have adapted quite well. Roche mentions that his fame occasionally made him a target during rugby matches – “yet I can cope with that. I’m up for it,” he smiles, self-assured – while Marquez has mostly had to steer clear of being surrounded at music festivals, as people found it hard to believe that the adorable, miniature Karen had grown into an adult.
Drew-Honey mentions that during high school, there were some individuals who attempted to belittle me or make light of things. However, I want to clarify that their actions didn’t run very deep, and in the end, they didn’t have much impact on me.
It seems beneficial that the trio of children shared this common experience throughout their lives and managed to maintain contact over several decades, occasionally meeting up about once or twice each year. Remarkably, Drew-Honey and Skinner have collaborated professionally since, playing a unique mother-son duo in an animated production; meanwhile, Dennis has encountered some of his on-screen kin at various events.
He mentions, “I’ve been observing them in a somewhat protective manner,” he explains. “It gives me a strange sense of being like a father.
Skinner maintains that her expertise doesn’t involve providing parental advice on acting. Instead, she expresses, “They are all unique individuals who are naturally good actors.” She clarifies that she would never think of instructing them in such a manner. In fact, even when they were young, she and her family didn’t teach them how to act.
Occasionally, the children might have found it acceptable. As Roche expresses, “I’m not particularly fond of revisiting myself too often.” He continues, “It gave me a slight unease. I believe this discomfort stems from that awkward pre-teen phase when you’re already uncomfortable with yourself, and then the thought of watching your younger self only adds to it.
I believe this specific shooting incident has prompted me to return and rewatch some old footage again after all these years.
“You can watch some of the Christmas ones at Christmas!” suggests Marquez.
Dennis remarks, “There’s something charming about this job, you know,” he says. “In the beginning, we only collaborated for half of the day because they could only work for 45 minutes and then four hours in a day. So Claire and I were often saying our lines to no one or perhaps to [series creators] Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, who had placed eyes on tape on their sweaters at the right height as if they were watching us.
“Now, we are actually talking to Ben, Karen and Jake!”
The others stop talking, surprised. “Because I’ve decided to do a degree in criminology.”
The kids groan and laugh, and start talking between themselves, interview forgotten.
Squint, and it almost looks like a family photo.
A condensed version of this article appears in the Christmas double issue of TopMob
On the evening of the 26th of December, starting at 9:40 PM, the Outnumbered Christmas special is set to broadcast both on BBC One and iPlayer.
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2024-12-10 16:04