But before we get to the nub of the fun in this outing for the gang, there is one issue that should be addressed – as it’s what absolutely everyone will be discussing while the episode is airing. The kids. Man, they got old!

Tyger Drew-Honey (who plays the eldest of the offspring, Jake) still looks similar (though skinnier), Daniel Roche (middle sibling Ben) seems to have turned into a giant in the intervening time that the show has been off air whilst Ramona Marquez (the youngest, Karen) has undergone the biggest transformation of all. She’s almost unrecognisable as the continuously questioning little girl of the family.

Thankfully, the trio have lost none of their talents for laughs and, as has been the case for the show’s run, they engender the most smirks from the audience (no disrespect to parents Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner). Jake has got a tattoo (with hilarious consequences), Ben has got the lead role in a school musical about Spartacus (with hilarious consequences) whilst Karen teases her school mate Esme by eating ice cream (with hilarious consequences).

Of course, the parents have got their usual troubles. Pete finds it amusing and irritating in equal measures that he has a bill of £0.00 to pay whilst Sue is all worrying and interferey, causing a “late night email firestorm” by sending an email asking for an opinion after 11pm. Just not the done thing, according to her husband.

The high standard that Outnumbered has set remains and, despite the use of the word “typical” earlier in this review, the sitcom continues to entertain stoutly throughout with its astute observations and wonderful performances.

Airs at 9pm on Wednesday 29 January 2014 on BBC One.