Mrs Brown's Boys viewers have reacted to the news that there will be no Christmas special this year. The long-running sitcom, which began in 2011 and stars Brendan O'Carroll as Irish matriarch Agnes Brown, typically airs two episodes over the festive period.
But on Monday, it was announced that plans for this year's episodes have had to be shelved because Brendan is going through an "unexpected medical issue" at the moment.
Ratings decline
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 needs surgery and will spend time in hospital.
Fan reactions
Reacting to the news that the programme will not air any new episodes this year, one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I always thought finding out I was pregnant with my daughter was the happiest news I’d ever received. Then they cancelled the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special."
Another said: "Next December I'll be here to trumpet and toot about the 2026 Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Special. It contains these three words. 'F**k,' 'F***ing' and 'F***ed'."
A third wrote: "Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas special has been cancelled. This is the type of early Christmas announcement I can fully support."
A fourth said: "Finally, some good news, Mrs Brown's Boys is cancelled this year." But others were not so impressed with the positive reaction, especially because the cancellation stemmed from the fact that Brendan, 70, had broken his jaw and must undergo surgery.
Taking to Reddit, one fan said: "I can see why a lot of people like it. It is kind of warm and homely. What I really don't understand this when people demand it be taken off the air, they seem to be oblivious to the fact we live in an era where they have endless alternatives to watch. No one's making them watch the show, so why are they complaining?"
Another said: "Jaw surgery is no joke. Hope he gets through it ok. Not being able to talk was so much worse than I thought it would be." And a third wrote: "Unpopular opinion but I enjoy watching the show. My mam used to come round to mine every Christmas and we’d watch it together. Now that she’s not here i watch it and it reminds me of her. I hope Brendan makes a speedy recovery!"
Brendan's announcement
In making the announcement, Brendan explained: "Following a CT Scan, it was found that I had two fractures in my mandible (jaw) which require immediate surgery and a few months of 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.”
