Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll in BBC racism probe - 'clumsy joke backfired'

Brendan O'Carroll has issued an apology for a 'clumsy' joke which sparked a racism investigation. Rehearsals were temporarily suspended with the BBC saying they are against 'all forms of racism'

Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll has apologised for making a racist remark which sparked a BBC probe.

The Irish comedian, 69, used the offensive term during a read-through of the special with cast and crew last Wednesday. The BBC ordered an urgent investigation meaning that rehearsals for the Christmas special were temporarily suspended.

Those present were said to have been left shocked by the slur and flagged it with the BBC afterwards who acted immediately.

Tonight Brendan told the Mirror: “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 added: “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.”

O’Carroll is intrinsically linked to the show as its main star and creator. A source said: “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.”

The start of rehearsals today (MON) at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay studios were delayed as the investigation was concluded. Following the apology, rehearsals have since started up again.

News of the probe is the latest blow for the Corporation which has been dogged by a series of scandals in recent months.

It was rocked by the Strictly Come Dancing bullying row after Giovanni Pernice was accused of abusing Amanda Abbington, as well as the fall-out of the Huw Edwards affair.

Like Strictly, Mrs Brown’s Boys is one of the Beeb’s biggest shows, pulling up to 5million viewers an episode.

Mrs Brown’s Boys is on the crest of a wave after winning Best Comedy at the National Television Awards. The BBC has only recently recommissioned a fifth series with production to commence in 2025, as well as the festive specials.

Last month O’Carroll said: "We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. It’s lovely to be asked to do another one." The Christmas special was set to be the show’s 50th episode.

The BBC's head of comedy, Jon Petrie, last month 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."

Last month O'Carroll announced that he would also be penning a brand new show for the BBC. A new show titled Shedites has been written by the star and is set to features comedian Tommy Cannon in a leading roll.