Brendan O’Carroll has had to put a pause on Mrs Brown’s Boys at a time when fans would normally be getting ready for the show’s festive specials. The 70-year-old actor and comedian has announced that the planned Christmas and New Year episodes for 2026 will no longer be filmed after doctors discovered fractures in his jaw.
O’Carroll shared the update on Instagram on Monday where he explained that he needs immediate surgery and several months to recover. He has also postponed upcoming live Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Panto? performances in Dublin and Killarney.
What Happened To Brendan O’Carroll?
O’Carroll revealed that a CT scan showed he had two fractures in his mandible or jaw. He said the injury requires immediate surgery and a recovery period lasting several months.
He wrote: “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.
“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.”
The actor said the decision was made after receiving medical advice from his consultant.
Why Are The Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Specials Cancelled?
Since O’Carroll plays the central character Agnes Brown, his recovery means filming the planned festive episodes cannot go ahead as scheduled.
He also confirmed that the live Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Panto? shows planned for Dublin and Killarney would be postponed, with the intention of rescheduling them in 2027.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made on medical advice from my consultant,” he said.
“To say I am heartbroken is an absolute understatement.”
Why Is Mrs Brown’s Boys So Popular?
The BBC sitcom has remained a major favourite among its audience despite receiving mixed reactions from critics. The show first arrived on television in 2011 with O’Carroll playing Agnes Brown, the outspoken Irish matriarch at the centre of the comedy.
Its popularity has been particularly strong around the festive period. A 2017 Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special attracted 6.8 million viewers on BBC One while an RTÉ special that year also became the most watched programme in Ireland that Christmas. The show has also won the Comedy category at the National Television Awards.
When Will Mrs Brown’s Boys Return?
Fans may have to wait until 2027 for new episodes. O’Carroll said he has already been speaking with the BBC about bringing the sitcom back to screens next year.
He added: “I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused.”
The comedian also said he is now focused on getting “back to full health” and thanked fans for their support.
“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.”
The BBC has also said it is working with O’Carroll on plans for Mrs Brown’s Boys to return in 2027, while wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
