Mrs Brown’s Boys junior staffer quit show after Brendan O'Carroll's racist joke, it's claimed

A source has claimed that a junior member of the production team on BBC sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys was so 'upset' by Brendan O'Carroll's racist joke that they quit working on the show immediately

This week, Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll 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 Christmas special with cast and crew last Wednesday. The BBC ordered an urgent investigation meaning that rehearsals for the episode 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.

Earlier this week, Brendan told 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.”

Meanwhile, 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.”

Now, another source has claimed that a junior member of the production team was so 'upset' by the comedian's racist joke that they quit working on the show immediately. An inside telly source told The Sun that the production staffer was so taken aback by the 'joke' that they decided not to come back to work on the BBC sitcom.

"Virtually everyone in the room on the day that the outburst happened were shocked, but the reading continued for some time without anyone saying or doing anything as they were so stunned," they shared.

“One member of the production team in particular was upset by what came out of his mouth and it was quickly reported to the bosses. There was no excuses for what he said or any kind of context or mitigation he could provide for making the slur, he just seemed to think it was amusing," the source added.

The start of rehearsals on Monday 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 abusive behaviour towards Amanda Abbington, which he denies, 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."

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