Daniel Roche interview
Daniel Roche, who is now 14 years old, plays 13 year old Ben. He has grown up with Outnumbered, having joined the show at the age of seven...
What is Ben like now?
My character is obviously, like me, a lot taller, bigger and, of course, older. This series Ben lands the lead role in the school play, has a problem with girls and makes some new friends.
Ben has to sing in the new series, much to his parents' shock - can you in fact sing?
No, I used to be something of a church choir boy but then my voice broke and ruined it.
How different did you find making Series 5 now that you're older?
There was a crew change more drastic than those in the past but I adapted quickly. However, being older with the increased importance of school and rugby responsibilities, there was a lot more pressure to deal with juggling different commitments.
What was your favourite moment shooting Series 5?
Definitely hanging out with the Chinese tourists by Clapham Common.
Do you ever watch earlier series of Outnumbered with your friends and family?
No, I barely watch it. Something about listening to yourself slightly bothers me, so I just constantly cringe if I do watch.
How has it felt to grow up in the public eye?
I get asked this a lot, but unfortunately the truth is I honestly don't know any different; I was four the last time I wasn't in the public eye.
Do you often get recognised?
I play a lot of rugby and it slightly ruins the tense and competitive atmosphere when one of the enemy team suddenly asks mid-game if you're that bloke off the TV.
Are the three of you as close off screen as you appear on?
Yeah, seeing as we spend different periods of six to eight weeks with just each other during the day, we are almost exactly like siblings.
How do you get on with your two older brothers in real life?
My brothers are quite a bit older than me and we are all very different but because I don't see them all the time, when they do come over we get on especially well.
You have quite a menagerie of animals at home!
I do. First off I have three dogs: Peaches a spaniel, Flint an RSPCA rescue dog and Hilde who is a rescue dog from Romania. We also have two cats, one of which was found abandoned in a bin. They all get on really well, but it does make for a hectic house sometimes, especially when they are playing.
Are Pete and Sue anything like your real parents?
No, my parents are much more chilled. They don't stress about whether they are under- or over-parenting... well, if they do I don't know about it.
Would you like to have grown up in the Brockman family?
Not really, it's a bit hectic, I like to spend the days chilled.
If you had one piece of advice to your younger selves now that you're a bit older what would it be?
Makes me sound a bit boring, but it would be to listen more in maths.