'Makes me feel old'

The Brockmans return with more family chaos in the long-awaited festive special.

Written and directed by the original geniuses behind the series, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, the episode sees Pete and Sue Brockman try to keep up with life as their once chaotic children have grown into adults… but the chaos has grown with them!

Real-life couple Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner reprise their roles as parents Pete and Sue, while Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez return as Jake, Ben and Karen as they navigate adulthood.

Staying true to the original premise, Christmas doesn't quite go to plan for the family as neighbours, transport issues and even hyenas get in their way.

The original series ran for five seasons between 2007 and 2014. In the first series the children were aged just 11, 8 and 6 but the trio, now all in their twenties have grown up on our screens.

The adult actors were given scripts while the children were given last minute instructions and often improvised. This playful approach kept the show fresh and added to the comedy value.

Fans flocked to comment on the first look image of the five main characters as they reunite.

One said: "I read that Ramona Marquez is 23! Makes me feel old. It only seems like yesterday this series was new and she was a precocious 5 year old…Tyger is 28 when he was just going to big school at the beginning."

Another commented: "How come Hugh Dennis hasn't aged a bit?!"

The Brockmans have become known as one of the nations favourite TV families and fans are delighted they are back.

The one-off, 40-minute special has been produced by Hat Trick Productions and will air on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.

Meanwhile, yesterday the BBC revealed its full Christmas line-up which sees the return of another much loved comedy - Gavin and Stacey as the cast reunites for the long awaited finale.

The broadcaster will also air Wallace & Gromit’s first new film since the 2008 BAFTA-winning and Oscar nominated A Matter of Loaf and Death from Aardman.

The Julia Donaldson adaptation this year is Tiddler and Doctor Who returns.