Outnumbered star responds as disappointed fans are left with questions about Christmas episode

One of the stars of Outnumbered, which returned on Boxing Day for a one-off special, has broken her silence amid online criticism of the episode.

The series, which was a firm favourite for British telly lovers between its 2007 premiere and its end in 2014, returned to screens this Christmas, eight years on from its 2016 special.

When the show was first released, the main cast of kids, Ramona Marquez (Karen), Daniel Roche (Ben), and Tyger Drew-Honey (Jake), were just five, seven and 11 years old, respectively.

And parents Pete and Sue, portrayed by Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner, have since gone on to find love in real life, much to fans' delight.

Viewers couldn't wait for the much anticipated return of the comedy this year, but many were left disappointed by the plot.

A major criticism is that the original format no longer works as well as a result of all three kids now being in their twenties - so the innate chaos has been lost.

One person wrote on Twitter: "This only worked when the children were younger unlike Gavin & Stacey where it doesn’t matter how old the characters are. What made it funny was the natural outspoken nature of children."

Another said: “Will love and cherish anything in the Outnumbered cinematic universe but I think the reason the show was so good was that there was no official script and the kids were all just kids?? But now they’re all old it just doesn’t have the same charm."

Outnumbered returned after eight years (BBC)

A second criticism was that Pete is revealed to have prostate cancer in tearjerking scenes.

One viewer reacted: "My family watching the #Outnumbered special after my Dad (who had prostate cancer) died last year seriously wtf was that we're all sad now."

Though, others did praise the creative direction, with one viewer noting: "#Outnumbered always worked because people could recognise their own families in those kids. The reviews seem to divide between those who accept they've grown up and those who want the funny kids back. It was just a check-in on their lives and it was beautiful and real."

The kids are all grown up (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for the NTA's)

Marquez has since responded to the criticism, writing on her Instagram Story: "Thank you for all your kind messages it means so much to me.

"Someone said there was a lot of negativity over on Twitter [X] and that made me sad.

"So thank you for the love and support."

She then followed up by clarifying: "I have never gone on Twitter and never will lol."

Elsewhere, the star also responded to 'concerned' comments from viewers who noticed the 'tired' appearance of her co-star Tyger Drew-Honey.

Fans were left quite worried after seeing Tyger's paler complexion and dark circles around his eyes prompting them to rush to social media to share their concerns.

However, Marquez confirmed: "TYGER IS WEARING MAKEUP TO DEPICT A SLEEP DEPRIVED JAKE, WHOS JUST BECOME A FATHER OF A FEISTY 3 YEAR OLD. NEW PARENTS WILL UNDERSTAND!! TUNE IN BOXING DAY."

"You tell em Mona," Daniel, who plays her older brother, Ben, added.