Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special cancelled as Brendan O’Carroll suffers 'unexpected medical issue'

Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special cancelled as Brendan O’Carroll suffers 'unexpected medical issue' There will be no Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas and New Year’s specials later this year after the BBC show's star and writer Brendan O’Carroll underwent immediate surgery The Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas and New Year’s specials have been scrapped due to Brendan O’Carroll's 'unexpected medical issue'. The Irishman, 70, has played matriarch Agnes Brown on the BBC One hit comedy since 2011 but released a statement telling fans that the end-of-year shows, as well as the live tour, were cancelled. Brendan said he is talking to TV bosses about bringing the programme back in 2027 but is "heartbroken" to have had to shelve the show with plans already in place for the specials. The show is no longer the huge ratings juggernaut for the BBC it used to be, after pulling in over 11 million viewers during its height in the early-to-mid 2010s. In recent years, viewership has declined significantly, with the last festive special dropping to around 2.2 million viewers. Brendan hopes to be back and said: "Following a CT Scan, it was found that I had two fractures in my mandible (jaw) which requires immediate surgery and a few months recovery. "I am talking with the BBC about getting Mrs. Brown’s Boys back on the screen in 2027. I will sadly have to postpone both the 3 Arena Dublin and INEC Killarney Shows “Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Panto?” which were scheduled for later this year. "We are currently working with MCD to try to reschedule these show for 2027. I would like to thank MCD and the BBC for their support and understanding at this difficult time. "This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made on medical advice from my consultant. "To say I am heartbroken is an absolute understatement. I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused. "I now need to focus on getting myself back to full health, and I genuinely cannot wait to see you all again in 2027. Our fans mean the world to us, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support and trust me Agnes Brown and her family will be back!" A BBC spokesperson said: “We wish Brendan a full and speedy recovery and are working with him on plans for Mrs Brown’s Boys in 2027.” Mrs Brown’s Boys was first broadcast on BBC One in 2011 and has since transmitted more than 50 episodes, including Christmas and New Years specials. In 2013 it topped the Christmas Day TV ratings, pulling in an audience of 11.5 million viewers. The special topped the ratings the following year too, attracting 9.69 million viewers. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.