The BBC has confirmed that hit sitcom Outnumbered is to return for a new Christmas special.

It has been known for some time that the team would be reuniting, with members of the cast having talked about a new episode in various interviews. However, today is the first time the episode has been officially confirmed by the BBC.

The new 40-minute special, which will be shown on BBC One this December, will be the first episode of the hit family sitcom since Series 5 ended in March 2014.

Written by creators Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the new episode will be set on Boxing Day and observes as the Brockman family are stuck in a car whilst attempting to carry out a special mission for Grandad.

Along the way they encounter "car problems, child problems, parent problems, emotional problems and World War Two. If the adults can't sort things out the children will have to. Like all families, everything has changed and everything remains the same."

The core cast of Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez will all return, alongside guest stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (Olivia in Cold Feet), Ruth Madeley (The Level), Mark Benton (Early Doors), Katherine Jakeways (Tracey Ullman's Show), Martin Trenaman (PhoneShop) and Miles Jupp (Rev).

Hugh Dennis comments: "I can't wait to re-join our TV nucleus, and what better place to experience the full joy of family life than stuck in the family car."

Claire Skinner adds: "I am so happy to be back dipping into the Brockmans' lives again - it is like putting on a big comfy jumper."