WHEN the BBC said the Outnumbered family would “downsize” for the upcoming Christmas special, most fans hoped it referred to the children flying the nest.
But it seems chiefs really were referring to the Brockman family’s home.
The terraced house in Wandsworth, South West London, is usually a hive of activity whenever filming is in progress.
But the BBC film crew has been nowhere to be seen so it seems the house won’t feature.
A TV insider said: “Locals are pretty gutted by the realisation as they always liked the association of the rather middle-class family being in their neighbourhood. It didn’t harm house prices either — the house in question is estimated to be worth around £1.7million.
“So although Mr and Mrs Brockman might have been sad at the kids leaving home, downsizing would have seen them laughing all the way to the bank.”
The Beeb revealed last month that the whole family would return for the Christmas one-off.
Parents Sue and Pete, played by real-life couple Claire Skinner and Hugh Dennis, will return with their now adult offspring Jake, Ben and Karen (Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez).
There’s even a grandchild thrown into the mix.
The house, however, will be a notable absence.
Considered a pivotal part of the Brockman brood, it featured in all five series of the hit show from 2007 to 2014, and the 2016 festive special.
The big question is, what sort of home have Sue and Pete downsized to?
Paul and Yvette’s bids woe
PAUL O’Grady had been working on a series of spooky shows with Yvette Fielding before his death in March last year – but they got knocked back by bosses.
The For The Love Of Dogs presenter, who died aged 67 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, had collaborated with Most Haunted host Yvette over the years on formats including Death In Venice, a 2009 two-part documentary.
Yvette recalls in her new memoir, Scream Queen: “ITV seem to have had the same blinkered attitude in the years since ITV2 commissioned Ghost Hunting.
“Before his untimely death, Paul and I pitched several paranormal-themed shows, following on from the ones we had done for Living, that we wanted to make together. We were always rebuffed.”
Gay link a no
THE WOMEN of Weatherfield take centre stage this summer as secrets unfold and love is put to the test.
Coronation Street fans are convinced Carla Connor could be heading for a lesbian relationship after growing close to DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers).
But, teasing this summer’s upcoming storylines, actress Alison King shut down the gay rumours.
She said: “I don’t think Carla is ready for another relationship and she’s definitely not got her eye on anybody. It’s the last thing on her mind.
“I like playing all Carla’s varied sides. She’s got so many sides to her but ultimately her core is fiery and fearless.
“She is vulnerable, she can be frightened of things but she attacks things face on which ultimately gives me brilliant storylines because she either gets into trouble or she does the right thing.
“Viewers understand that she will go off the rails, but she’ll come back again.”
Sisters’ spat
SIBLINGS Leanne and Toyah Battersby have always had a fierce bond since arriving on the cobbles in 1997.
But that connection could suffer a huge blow this summer.
As her sister becomes embroiled in a cult called The Institute, Toyah grows close to Leanne’s fiance, Nick Tilsley.
Toyah actress Georgia Taylor said: “What they have in common is that they both love Leanne. They’re seeing a change in her and they feel like they’re losing her. That’s inadvertently pushing Toyah and Nick together.
“It’s really difficult for Toyah because Leanne has always been her biggest ally and support.
“They’ve seen each other through so many difficult times, so many relationships – and however many times they’ve been married or divorced or cheated on, what’s remained consistent is their sisterly bond.
“So I think Toyah is really struggling.”
Fans so puzzled by duo
ANNA Maxwell Martin says fans struggled when Line Of Duty and Motherland aired during the same weeks.
She played smarmy DCS Pat Carmichael in the cop drama and manic mum-of-two Julia in the sitcom.
Anna said: “People were confused. They couldn’t believe Pat could also be Julia. They didn’t understand you could act in two things. I guess it was flattering.”
DCS Carmichael’s disdain for almost everything spawned endless memes.
Anna added: “I looked smug on screen because I was smug inside. I was thinking, ‘I’m absolutely loving this part.’ ”