Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll has issued an apology for allegedly making a racist remark which instigated a BBC investigation.
Last Wednesday (October 9), the Irish comic, 69, used an offensive term during a read-through of the BBC special with the cast and crew. The national broadcaster immediately reviewed the matter, which resulted in the rehearsals for the festive episode being temporarily suspended.
People at the rehearsal were thought to have been shocked by the derogatory remark, prompting them to report it to the BBC who took swift action.
On Monday (October 14), 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."
A BBC spokesperson told Express Online: "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."
Known as the heart and brains behind the show, O'Carroll's association with the popular series is undeniable. A source familiar with the situation indicated: "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." Rehearsals set to commence today at the BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay studios witnessed a delay pending the outcome of the probe.
Following Brendan's expression of remorse, preparations for the festive special have now resumed. The BBC is facing yet another setback with the announcement of an investigation, adding to the string of scandals that have plagued the organisation in recent months.
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The broadcaster has been reeling from the aftermath of the Strictly Come Dancing bullying controversy, involving Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington, and the fallout from the Huw Edwards scandal.
Mrs Brown's Boys, a flagship show that draws up to 5 million viewers per episode, has become the latest programme to be embroiled in controversy.
This follows the show's triumph at the National Television Awards, where it won Best Comedy, and the recent recommissioning of a fifth series, set to begin production in 2025, along with festive specials.
In a recent statement, O'Carroll, the show's creator, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming series, saying, "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.
Jon Petrie, the BBC's head of comedy, praised the show, stating, "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."
Additionally, O'Carroll has announced that he is working on a new show for the BBC, titled Shedites, which will feature comedian Tommy Cannon in a leading role.
