OUTNUMBERED’s creator has teased the future of the show after bringing the iconic sitcom back for a Christmas special after eight years away from screens.
Fans fell in love with the Brockman household when they made their debut on screens back in 2007.
Now, eight years on from their last Christmas special, the kids of Sue and Pete are all grown up and living their own lives away from mum and dad.
Fans will be able to see how the family’s dynamics have shifted when they all attempt to reunite for a family Christmas in this year’s special.
It will no doubt get everyone’s hopes up that even more specials, or a potential series, could be in the works.
Speaking to The Sun and other press at the launch event for this year’s special, show creator Andy Hamilton teased that he could “never say never” to the possibility of bringing the show back again for even more episodes but cast doubt on what it could look like.
Andy said: “Well you should never say never but I just said it twice.
“I don’t know is the honest answer.
“I remember on the first series somebody asking us you know could it go on as it has legs?
“I said as a joke well we’ll probably go on until one of the kids has a a child and we have.”
Andy was referring to eldest Brockman child Jake, played by actor Tyger Drew-Honey, and his daughter now that he is a father himself.
Viewers will meet little Zara and her animal antics for the first time during the Boxing Day special as they see Jake in action as a dad for the very first time.
Show writer Andy added: “Maybe when the little girl grows up and she has kids Guy [Jenkins, co-writer] and I will be 138 years old by that time which would be a remarkable feat but who knows is the honest answer.”
It comes as he and the cast admitted that a reunion had never felt right up until now with them all finally agreeing as the time felt right.
Elsewhere, the cast revealed that they were actually allowed to choose their own character’s names when the sitcom kickstarted in 2007.
Ramona Marquez, who plays Karen, is left joking about the modern connotations with her name during the special as she quips: “I’m thinking of changing my name because Karen is the archetypal name for an entitled middle-aged woman.”
Pete then replies: “I’m sorry, we meant to teleport into the future to check on that when we christened you.”
However, Ramona revealed that Karen was actually her second choice after the writers rejected her first suggestion of Lisa.
Ramona said: “Because at first I wanted to be called Lisa.
“I think it was like a Lisa Simpson thing.
“Then I decided I wanted to be Karen because at the time I was playing houses at school or whatever.
“I kind of had this fantasy of being like a mother woman called Karen and she’d wear long dresses and be a bit boho so I really liked the name Karen.”
Elsewhere, Hugh Dennis, admitted that he simply picked Pete as that is his birth name.
Hugh laughed: “I chose Pete as well because Pete is in fact my real name. So I thought if anybody calls me Pete at least I’ll turn around at the right time.
BRITS are being urged to check if their cold symptoms are a sign of something more sinister this winter.
Headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue can potentially be signs of carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if breathed in.
It can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal, which are commonly used during the winter months.
And it can lead to serious health complications, such as cardiac arrest, brain damage, and even death.
But new research has revealed only a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning.
According to the findings by Gas Safe Register, over half of Brits (54 per cent) incorrectly identified nasal congestion and fever as potential signs of CO poisoning – two of the symptoms that are unlikely to occur when exposed to the deadly gas.
The company has partnered with Dr Punam Krishan to raise awareness of the key differences between symptoms of CO poisoning and colds at the height of the cold and flu season, as, according to the research, January is the month when people are most prone to suffering from seasonal viruses.
The research also found people across the country consume a combined 5.4 billion medicinal tablets every winter to help treat cold and flu symptoms.
More than half (54 per cent) admitted their medication sometimes failed to provide relief, which could suggest exposure to CO, which no amount of over-the-counter pills can treat.
Over three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents said they try to self-manage cold and flu symptoms before seeking medical advice, while nearly two thirds (63 per cent) would stay warm indoors with the central heating on and windows closed – contrary to potentially lifesaving health and safety advice to seek fresh air if experiencing a CO leak.
Recent data has highlighted that UK household exposures are estimated to be seven times higher than the figures currently reported, partially because CO cannot be seen, tasted or smelt which makes it notoriously hard to detect.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can often be mild and easily mistaken for common illnesses like a cold or flu, yet a third (33 per cent) of respondents assumed they would feel severely unwell if they were exposed to a carbon monoxide leak.
Dr Punam Krishan, who is helping to educate the nation about CO poisoning during the peak cold and flu season, said: “Each year, 4,000 people across the UK attend A&E due to carbon monoxide poisoning, yet awareness of ‘the silent killer’ remains far too low.
“As a doctor, I’ve seen patients suffering from CO poisoning who were completely unaware of the symptoms until they came into contact with health services, which could have been avoided by following preventative guidance.
“The overlap between symptoms of a CO leak and a common cold – such as headaches, fatigue and dizziness – makes it easy to mistake one for the other, especially during this peak time for seasonal illnesses.
“However, it’s important to remember that while some symptoms may overlap, nasal congestion and fever are not typically associated with CO poisoning, which can help distinguish the two.”
Common household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they’re not installed properly, are faulty, or poorly maintained.
Appliances that can cause carbon monoxide include:
If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning:
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from happening:
Source: NHS
The research found that the lack of knowledge about symptoms of CO poisoning was particularly prevalent in younger generations – 94 per cent of 18-24-year-olds didn’t associate the overlapping cold and flu symptoms with CO poisoning, with knowledge increasing slightly to 89 per cent for 25-34-year-olds.
Ensuring gas appliances are safety checked and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer is one of the most important steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of a potential CO leak. Yet, nearly a third (28 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds have not had their gas appliances safety checked in the past year – making them the least likely age group to have carried out this essential maintenance.
More widely, when it comes to the nation’s gas safety habits, nearly a fifth (16 per cent) did not have an audible CO alarm in their house or were unsure if they did.
In a similar trend, almost a quarter (23 per cent) were either unsure or had not had their gas appliances safety checked and serviced in the past year.
Jonathan Palmer, Standards and Training Manager at Gas Safe Register, said: “As we approach the height of the cold and flu season, we are issuing a call for anyone who starts feeling under the weather to ‘Check Your Cold’ – think twice about symptoms and ensure they’re not a sign of something more sinister.
“But alongside familiarising yourself with the symptoms of CO poisoning, the first line of defence to prevent a carbon monoxide leak should always be to have your gas appliances in the home safety checked on an annual basis. A Gas Safe registered engineer will carry out an inspection and ensure your appliances are operating safely and efficiently as part of a check, and can detect early signs of wear and tear which could become a more serious problem later down the line if left unaddressed.
“Alongside this, it’s important to get clued-up on the warning signs of a faulty gas appliance which can include black sooty stains or floppy yellow flames on a cooker specifically. With our appliances running much more over the winter period to keep our homes warm, it’s even more important that we ensure they are running efficiently and safely.”
Gas Safe Register and Dr Punam Krishan shared their tips.
Do you know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue are all potential warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although similar to symptoms of other common ailments – such as cold, flu or Covid – you should not have a fever or nasal congestion with CO poisoning.
Do your symptoms improve when you are out of the house and in fresh air?
If a CO leak is present in the home, you are likely to notice your symptoms become worse when spending more time indoors without sufficient ventilation.
Are your symptoms progressively getting worse?
No amount of rest or over-the-counter medicine will improve your symptoms if you are suffering with carbon monoxide poisoning. You should start to feel better if you have cold and flu after around one week. If your symptoms continue to get worse, seek medical advice.
Are multiple people in your household experiencing similar symptoms?
If multiple people in your household are also experiencing headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue – this could be a warning sign of CO poisoning.
Do you own a CO alarm?
An audible CO alarm will detect exposure to the dangerous gas and alert you to it. Test your alarm monthly, as you would do with a smoke alarm, to make sure it is working properly.
What to do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get some fresh air and leave the house as quickly as possible. See a doctor and if you are very unwell call 999 for an ambulance. The National Gas Emergency Helpline is also available 24/7 on 0800 111 999.
Gas appliances should be safety checked and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year. To find a local Gas Safe registered engineer in your area and for further essential gas safety tips, visit http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/.
The GOVERNMENT has issued a reminder that to ensure no one is left short over Christmas and New Year will be made earlier.
Households on Universal Credit, child benefit and tax credits are among those affected.
Payments that would usually be due between December 25 and January 2 will be made earlier, the government has confirmed.
So, if your payment date lands on a bank holiday, you can expect to receive it earlier.
You should receive your money the first working day before the date you are supposed to be paid.
If you are due to be paid on December 25, 26 and 27, your payment will arrive on December 24 instead.
The New Year bank holiday will also affect payments.
If you are due to be paid on January 1, the cash will land in your account on December 31.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC have confirmed the following benefits will be affected:
The amount you get paid will not change.
It will be the same as the previous month unless you have had a change of circumstances that has affected how much you are due.
You can find the full list of payment dates here.
Remember that if you get paid early, you must make that money last, as you will have to wait extra days until your next payment date.
If you expect a payment not paid on time, double-check the date you are usually paid and contact your bank.
Should you need further help, you must contact the DWP.
You can also file a complaint with the DWP regarding any unpaid benefits.
Thousands of households on old-style legacy benefits are being moved to Universal Credit via Managed Migration.
The government is transitioning two million people to Universal Credit or pension credit.
The vast majority will be moved by April 2025.
The process started being rolled out in May last year after a successful pilot in July 2019.
Households are being contacted via letters telling them how to move from their old benefit to Universal Credit.
Once you receive a letter, you have three months to move over, or you could lose your current benefits.
You can read more about the process and who is impacted here.
THOUSANDS of cancer cases are being missed among people ignoring NHS screening invitations, figures suggest.
Cancer Research UK said the free checks diagnose about 18,000 tumours per year but only 70 per cent of people take them up.
It suggests another 7,000 cases of breast, bowel and cervical cancers might be spotted early each year if attendance was 100 per cent.
Coverage rates have declined despite proof the tests save lives.
Catching cancer early by testing high-risk people before symptoms start is one of the best ways to boost survival.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of CRUK, said: “Screening programmes help spot thousands of cancer cases across England every year, but so much more can be done.
“Making screening more digital and improving data collection to know who is and isn’t coming forward will help to target people who currently miss their appointments.
“This is essential as better access to screening means better chances of catching cancer early.”
Official figures show around 30 per cent of people invited for free NHS bowel cancer testing do not take up the invitation.
A further 35 per cent of women do not attend breast screening appointments and 31 per cent snub cervical smear test invitations.
Diagnosis rates suggest around 30,000 extra breast cancers, 10,000 bowel tumours and 2,000 cervical cancers would have been picked up between 2019 and 2023 if rates were 100 per cent.
The NHS in England plans to catch three out of four cancers at Stage 1 or Stage 2 by 2028.
CRUK is calling for more funding for screening programmes to persuade more people to use them.
Free breast screening is offered to women over 50, bowel tests to 54 to 74-year-olds and cervical smear tests to women aged 25 to 64.
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 54 to 74, with the programme gradually expanding to those 50-plus after The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign.
Currently, those aged 54 to 74 are automatically sent an at-home test kit every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The at-home test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
SIR David Jason has taken a trip down memory lane after rubbing shoulders with the cast of Only Fools and Horses: The Musical.
The legendary actor, 84, was snapped on the red carpet alongside Vinne Jones and Paul Whitehouse, who both star in the show.
Dressed in similar clothing to that of Del Boy – the iconic character David played in the comedy series – David was all smiles at the opening night.
Wearing Del Boy’s signature flat cap, David chuckled away as Vinne, who takes on the role of notorious gangster Danny Driscoll in the musical, larked around on the red carpet.
The hard man actor and former footballer put his hand on David’s shoulder before making a fist with the other and pulling a face.
David was also photographed alongside Paul, who was sporting white hair, bushy eyebrows and a white moustache.
The comedian, who co-wrote Only Fools and Horses: The Musical with Jim Sullivan, plays Grandad in the West End stage show.
Grandad, whose name was Edward Kitchener ‘Ted’ Trotter, was portrayed by the loveable late Lennard Pearce in the 1980s TV series.
David also made sure to grab a photograph with Sam Lupton.
Sam takes on the role of David’s character Del Boy and the pair turned towards each other for a fun face-off snap.
Only Fools and Horses: The Musical was originally devised in 2019 and is currently on tour across the UK.
It is now enjoying a special three-week Christmas run in London.
Vinnie, who is famed for appearances in films including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, has joined the cast at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith especially.
The musical version of the telly show, which first aired in 1981, features music from cockney duo Chas & Dave and is said to be “full of character and cockney charm”.
Vinnie will appear with the cast in London until January 5, 2025.
He said of his casting: “I’ve always been a fan of Only Fools and Horses, and when my longtime friend Phil McIntyre called me up and said he was interested in me playing the role of Danny Driscoll, I told him to count me in.
“The director CJay Ranger and her creative team are great and I’m excited to contribute to the legacy of the show.”
Before the curtain went up on the musical’s opening night in London, David admitted he was looking forward to watching the show.
He told the Press Association: “I’m full of anticipation.
“I’ve heard that it’s very good, but I’m going to make my own mind up when I see it.”
Touching upon why he believes Only Fools is so adored, David added: “There are a lot of words in the show that describe unfortunate swearing, but they’re cleverly disguised, covered in words like ‘you plonker’, things like that.
“That sounds funny, and it is, but it’s not vulgar.
“What I’m saying is that it’s a show that can appeal right across the board to your mother, your grandmother, your kids and all that, and that is one of the things that I love about it.”
CHRISTINE McGuinness is making waves with a stunning beach photoshoot to mark her brand-new career move — becoming an independent travel agent.
The former Real Housewives of Cheshire star and model, 36, looked sensational as she posed on golden sands in just her thong bikini bottoms.
Christine is now helping fans plan their dream holidays – and following in the footsteps of stars like Kelsey Parker and Vicky Pattison who have set up similar schemes.
Posting the sun-soaked snaps to Instagram, the mum-of-three tagged her new business page and wrote: “A Huge Thank You and Well Done! @globegettersbychristine
“To my amazing team—your hard work and dedication inspire me every day. A special shoutout to everyone who recently joined us and is thriving in their exciting new adventure. You’re proof that success comes when passion meets opportunity!”
Christine, who split from husband Paddy McGuinness in 2022, will juggle her new venture with parenting and her work raising awareness for autism.
Fans were quick to show their support, with one commenting: “Smashing it.”
Christine began her modelling career by entering various beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Liverpool in 2007.
It was not long after winning Miss Liverpool, that she met ex-husband Paddy on a night out in 2008.
Their relationship blossomed, and they went on to get married in June 2011, going on to have three children.
Christine got her first taste of TV fame when she appeared alongside Paddy on shows including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and All Star Mr & Mrs.
However, she got her big break after joining the cast of The Real Housewives Of Cheshire from 2018 to 2020.
This then opened up the door to other TV shows, and she has since appeared on high profile programmes such as Loose Women, This Morning, and Good Morning Britain.
In 2021, Christine stripped off for The Real Full Monty, and the following year she took part in the sports competition The Games,
In 2024, she showed off her cooking skills on Celebrity MasterChef.
Despite being seen as one of the golden couples in showbiz, fans were left shocked when Paddy and Christine announced their separation through an Instagram post in 2022.
In a joint statement signed off with a kiss, they said they aimed to be the “best parents they could be”.
Before announcing their split, the couple had endured some ups-and-downs leading up to the break-up.
Christine has since opened up about the devastating moment she discovered her husband Paddy was photographed with singer Nicole Appleton, revealing the 2018 pictures made her feel physically sick.
Writing in her book, she said: “My husband, arm-in-arm with another woman.
“I felt physically sick. I ran to the toilet to vomit.
“Still to this day I can remember that absolutely awful pit-of-your-stomach feeling.”
Since their separation, Paddy and Christine have been dedicated to co-parenting their children.
The former couple continue to share a house after their split, with separate bedrooms.
She revealed this week that the former couple will put on a united front for the sake of the kids this Christmas.
They share twins Penelope and Leo, 11, and daughter Felicity, 8.
And they’ll strive to maintain a sense of normalcy during what can be an overwhelming time of year, given their children have autism.
Speaking to Woman’s Own, Christine explained the exes’ decision to spend Christmas Day with one another.
She said: “The last thing we want to do is upset our children over Christmas, so we’ll make sure we’re all together.”
She continued: “lt will be a quiet one.
“We alwavs try to keep it quiet, because the children can get quite overwhelmed with the changes.
“So we try to keep it like a normal day but with presents.”
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HITITI (1.55 Exeter, nap)
He was backed off the boards for a hotter race than this at Haydock last time before getting stuck in the mud. He kicked off this season with a close second at Chepstow and is just 2lb higher today. He stays well and looks hard to beat in this grade.
BILLYB (2.55 Southwell, nb)
Hit the crossbar when second over course and distance last time. He’s back from the same handicap mark in a lower grade so will take plenty of beating.
CURRUMBIN (1.10 Southwell, treble)
Was just a neck away over 1m4f at Lingfield last time. He has since moved yards to Michael Keady who can make a winning start over this longer distance.
SALADINS SON (3.17 Ffos Las)
Looks good for the Lucky 15. He came back from a break to score over hurdles at Huntingdon last month. He has always looked a chasing type and can make his mark over fences for Anthony Honeyball.
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GK BARRY has revealed exactly how I’m A Celebrity bosses convinced her to sign up for this year’s series.
The podcast host and Loose Women star – whose real name is Grace – has opened up on the phone call from ITV that made her agree to the show.
She admitted previously TV producers had been unwillingly to feature her on the shows because she was an influencer.
Grace, 25, said: “Mickey from ITV gave me a call. So, I’m like, what could this be?
“She’s like, listen, this is the nicest cast we’ve ever had. She basically told me all the bad things and all the good things.
“She was really open with it. I thought, fine, I can do this. And then also, one thing about me is I’m always in denial before something.
Appearing on Great Company with Jamie Laing, she continued: “So, I said yes to it.
“But in my head, I was like, it’s not going to happen. Then it got to the week before, and I was Googling worse, bush tucker trials to make myself feel worse.
“And then I was on the plane, and I thought, I can’t even say
no, because my manager’s book sell flight out here. In the lockdown I was struggling with not having my phone, and wondering what are people saying about me?”
During GK’s jungle experience viewers watched her form a friendship with Reverend Richard Coles.
The star also revealed how The Sun’s Jane Moore provided support to her in camp when she hit a low point.
Meanwhile, GK and Ella Rutherford dropped the biggest hint yet that they’ve secretly married.
Ella met Grace at the end of the bridge after a month apart when she narrowly missed out on a place in the final.
Sharing unseen photos of the pair together in Australia, Ella captioned her post: “Flew to the jungle to get my wife.
“Met the most amazing people along the way and made memories that will last a life time.
“You made us all so proud beautiful, I love you with all my heart, I have everything I’ll ever need.”
GK Barry amassed more than a million followers on TikTok in just over a year during the first UK lockdown in 2020.
Grace Keeling, better known as GK Barry, is a 25-year-old social media influencer.
She rose to fame during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, creating a TikTok account and posting short vlogs showcasing her day-to-day life.
Although she originally intended on staying low-key, she gained a large following in no time at all.
By August 2020, only five months after starting her account, she had already hit 100,000 followers, reaching more than a million in just over a year.
She now has over 4.5million followers across her social media platforms.
After completing a degree in film studies from Nottingham Trent University, Grace furthered her education with a master’s in digital marketing.
While at Nottingham Trent, she worked on the set of BBC series Doctors and the Netflix film Hood, as well as creating content for ShawMind — a charity working to promote mental health awareness.
Grace is known for her podcast, named The Saving Grace Podcast.
On the show she invites celebrities and influencers to have a chat about life and the latest trends, as well as any embarrassing stories from their past.
In May 2024, Grace said she was dating a female footballer.
Then in June it came out that the soccer star in question plays for England.
The Sun revealed that Grace and Charlton Athletic striker Ella Rutherford, 24, are getting serious — they’ve met each other’s family and holidayed together.
A source exclusively told The Sun: “GK has been seeing Ella for a while but they are very much official now.
“They grew even closer on holiday in Benidorm and GK has met all her family.
“She’s really happy and they are having so much fun together.”