Mrs Brown's Boys halted after Brendan O'Carroll sparks racism row with cast and crew
BBC production was paused while an investigation was launched after the comedy actor used the offensive term during a read-through of the Christmas special last Wednesday
Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll has said sorry for a racist comment that led to a BBC investigation. The 69 year-old Irish funnyman made the unacceptable remark during a read-through of the Christmas special with the cast and crew last Wednesday, causing the Beeb to launch an immediate probe and halt rehearsals for the show.
The slur left those in attendance stunned and was quickly reported to the BBC, who took swift action. Speaking to the Mirror, Brendan explained: "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 stated: "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."
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As the face and brains behind the hit series, O'Carroll's involvement is crucial.
An insider revealed: "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," reports the Mirror.
The commencement of Monday's rehearsals at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay studios was put on hold until the investigation wrapped up. Following Brendan's apology, the show's preparations are now back on track.
The BBC is facing yet another challenge as it grapples with fresh scandal, this time involving a probe that's emerged amidst a string of controversies. The broadcaster was already reeling from the Strictly Come Dancing bullying accusations levelled at Giovanni Pernice for his treatment of Amanda Abbington and the Huw Edwards affair saga.
Despite these issues, Mrs Brown's Boys continues to soar in popularity, consistently drawing up to five million viewers per episode and recently snagging the Best Comedy title at the National Television Awards. The Beeb has shown confidence in the show by commissioning a fifth series set to start production in 2025, along with additional Christmas specials.
Brendan O'Carroll, the brains behind the hit series, confirmed last month: "We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. It's lovely to be asked to do another one."
The upcoming Christmas special is poised to be the show's landmark 50th episode. Jon Petrie, the BBC's head of comedy, praised the show last month, saying: "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."
In addition to this success, O'Carroll revealed plans for a new BBC project titled Shedites, featuring comedian Tommy Cannon in a prominent role.
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