A “racial term” was allegedly used during a script read-through of Mrs Brown’s Boys (Image: BBC Studios / Kirsty Anderson)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeBrendan O’Carroll, the star and creator of Mrs Brown’s Boys, has had to say sorry after a “clumsy joke” during a script read-through led to a racism probe at the BBC. The comedian acknowledged that his attempt at humour with the character Agnes didn’t land as intended, confessing that it “backfired”. Following the incident, which occurred last week, while cast were preparing for the sitcom’s Christmas special, rehearsals were put on pause when the remark was escalated to BBC higher-ups. Speaking to the Mirror, Brendan expressed his remorse: “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.”
Following the incident, Brendan O’Carroll has apologised for the “clumsy joke”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He added: “It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.” A BBC spokesperson told OK! “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.” Sources claim that those present at the read-through were taken aback by the comment. A source claimed to the Mirror: “The whole production of the Christmas special was paused while the investigation was carried out. The entire cast and crew were stood down in the wake of the comment as the BBC tried to get to the bottom of it.” Now that Brendan has made an apology, reports suggest that rehearsals have kicked off again at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay studios.
Mrs Brown’s Boys will return for a Christmas special
(Image: BBC Studios / Alan Peebles)
Sign up to OK’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free Despite these issues, Mrs Brown’s Boys continues to be a ratings hit, drawing in up to 5 million viewers per episode and recently scooping the Best Comedy award at the National Television Awards. The show has been green lit for a fifth series, set to start production in 2025, along with more Christmas specials. Last month, Brendan expressed his delight, saying: “We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. It’s lovely to be asked to do another one.” The anticipated Christmas special marks the 50th episode of the series. Jon Petrie, the BBC’s head of comedy, praised the show last month and said: “Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. Mrs. Brown’s Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC’s most-watched comedies ever… I’m proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable.” Additionally, Brendan is working on a new project for the BBC, a show called Shedites, featuring comedian Tommy Cannon in a prominent role.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnSitcomMrs Brown’s Boys
