Filming of this year’s Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special was temporarily halted after creator Brendan O’Carroll made an inappropriate remark during a read-through. The BBC launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 9, when O’Carroll used a racial term in what he called a “clumsy attempt at a joke.”
O’Carroll, 69, has apologised for the comment, admitting that it “backfired and caused offence.” In a statement to The Mirror, he expressed his regret, saying, “At a read-through of the Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied. It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”
The BBC also issued a statement, confirming its zero-tolerance approach to racism: “Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism, and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.”
Reports suggest those present at the time of the remark were shocked. A source told The Mirror that production on the Christmas specials was paused while the BBC investigated the incident. However, rehearsals resumed on Monday, October 15, after O’Carroll’s apology was accepted.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters since its debut in 2011, Mrs Brown’s Boys has maintained a loyal fan base, and its Christmas specials are among the most-watched TV events during the festive season. Two episodes are set to air this year, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with the Christmas episode marking the show’s 50th instalment.
A fifth series has also been commissioned, with filming scheduled for April 2025.
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