Brendan O'Carroll has announced that the Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's specials have been cancelled due to an "unexpected medical issue". The 70-year-old creator and star of the show said in a statement that the recordings would not go ahead as he requires "immediate surgery".
"It is with sincere regret I must announce that due to an unexpected medical issue I will have to cancel the recordings of the 2026 Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's Specials," he wrote. "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."
Postponed Shows
O'Carroll also announced the postponement of his Mrs Brown's Boys D'Panto? shows in Dublin and Killarney, which were scheduled for later this year. He said the decision was made on medical advice from his consultant and that he and MCD Productions are working to reschedule the shows for 2027.
"To say I am heartbroken is an absolute understatement," he said. "I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused."
BBC Plans for 2027
The comedian and actor said he has been in talks with the BBC about bringing his TV series "back on the screen" in 2027. He thanked MCD and the BBC for their "support and understanding at this difficult time" and said he is focused on getting back to full health.
"I genuinely cannot wait to see you all again in 2027," O'Carroll added. "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."
Show History and Ratings
O'Carroll is best known for playing the matriarch, Agnes Brown, in the hit BBC comedy series. Mrs Brown's Boys was first broadcast on BBC One in 2011 and has since transmitted more than 50 episodes, including Christmas and New Year 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.
