Series four under way

Production has started on a new six-part series of Outnumbered.

It will be the fourth series of the hit semi-improvised sitcom, which has proved a ratings hit for BBC One. Last year’s series debuted with 5.4million viewers.

Andy Hamilton, who writes and directs the showwith Guy Jenkin, has previously said the BBC is always keen to sign up to several series in advance. But the creators would only take it one season at a time, especially because the child actors were growing up so fast.

The returning cast for series four includes Claire Skinner, Hugh Dennis, Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘In the new series, the family is confronted by an array of issues ranging from death, drugs, terrorism and getting old, to food science, Top Gear, and the joy of ventriloquism.’

There will also be a Christmas special, as well as the six new regular episodes.

Published: 31 Mar 2011