Mrs Brown's Boys viewers left in utter disbelief as controversial show returns to BBC
BBC sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys returned to screens tonight for the start of its fifth full-length series, despite enduring a turbulent few years marked by falling ratings and a high-profile racism controversy involving its creator and star, Brendan O'Carroll.
First aired in 2011, the comedy became a holiday fixture and enjoyed huge popularity in its early years. Its 2013 Christmas Day special drew 11.52 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched festive programmes of the decade.
However, viewership has steadily declined. The show last appeared in the top ten on Christmas Day in 2020, attracting 3.8 million viewers. It comes after Brendan, 69, finally announced the future of Mrs Brown to fans.
The series has long divided audiences and critics, and was recently labelled the 'worst ever BBC show' by some viewers on social media.
Comments on X during tonight's broadcast included: 'Worst programme in human history should've never been commissioned' and 'Just speechless… I honestly don't know one person who thinks this show is remotely funny.'
Another insisted: "This show needs to be axed asap. It's not one bit funny." Someone else fumed: "I actually hate this show with a passion and I'm Irish and from Dublin and I GET that kind of sense of humour."
In 2023, Mrs Brown's Boys faced further scrutiny after O'Carroll made a racial slur during rehearsals for the Christmas special. Crew members were reportedly 'shocked' by the remark and lodged complaints with BBC bosses.
The broadcaster suspended production and launched an investigation. O'Carroll later apologised, expressing 'deep regret' over what he called a 'clumsy attempt at a joke.'
Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time on Irish YouTube programme Conversations With Gerry Kelly, O'Carroll claimed his words had been 'completely taken out of context.'
He also argued that the episode ultimately had a positive impact.
'The one thing that that incident did is give great awareness about racism, and great awareness about the BBC, they don't take any messing… However, I think in the long run it was a good thing, because it got people talking about it.'
O'Carroll, who has won the National Television Award for Best Comedy six times for Mrs Brown's Boys, has made it clear he is unfazed by negative feedback.
'The ones that love me, I love them, and the ones that don't, f*** them,' he told Kelly, adding that those who dislike the show should simply 'pick up the remote and change the station.'
Despite its dwindling audience, the series maintains a loyal fan base and continues to be a fixture in the BBC's comedy line-up.
The new series, which began tonight, marks a fresh chapter for the show as it seeks to recapture some of its former success in the face of ongoing criticism.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
3 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
BBC to investigate cocaine use by Strictly Come Dancing stars
Reports suggest the Strictly stars' drug use was discussed on the BBC dancing show, according to The Sun, and law firm Pinsent Masons has been appointed to lead the investigation. The Strictly cast members involved in the investigation have not been named by the news outlet. Tomorrow's front page: Strictly cocaine probe - BBC's law firm inquiry into two stars READ MORE: According to reports, the allegations were made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour. Others have also reported drug use on the show, according to The Sun. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' This latest investigation comes after the BBC launched a review into Strictly in 2024, centred around allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. RECOMMENDED READING: The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made – and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare. This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present 'at all times' during training room rehearsals. EastEnders star James Borthwick was also suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme.
Daily Mirror
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Prince Harry's 'sadness' at losing out to Prince William is 'price to pay' in bitter rift
Just days after a close friend of both Harry and William announced the birth of his first child, Jennie Bond has shared how the news could push the royal brothers even further apart The Duke and Duchess of Westminster, who are good friends of both Prince William and Prince Harry, announced the birth of their first child. Both princes have a long history with the couple, with William and Harry's friendship with Hugh Grosvenor going back years. The Duke is even godparent to Prince George, and also reportedly to Prince Archie. With a new baby in the mix, and Harry and William's feud seemingly still raging on despite the rumours of peace talks within the Sussex camp and royal family, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has revealed how the tiny tot could drive an even bigger wedge between the royal brothers. Jennie's comments come after news that Prince Harry will 'never be forgiven' by two major royals despite reconciliation hope. The royal expert told the Mirror that despite the joyous news of the baby girl's birth, the Duke and Duchess could be caught in the middle of the warring brothers if they are considering either prince for a role as godfather. Jennie said: 'As with a marriage break-up, many of William and Harry's friends have been left feeling obliged to take sides. Hugh was good friends with both William and Harry but, since the brothers' dramatic rift, the Duke Of Westminster has had to navigate a tricky path. 'And it seems he has largely sided with William, (at least in public). It was William who was invited to the big wedding, he was an usher, and William who stood alongside Hugh and his new wife Olivia cheering on Aston Villa in their exciting Champions League quarter final." Given the Duke's long history with William, Jennie believes: 'If there is to be a royal godfather to the couple's newborn daughter, the likelihood is that it will be William. There's already lots of 'cross pollination' between the families as far as godparents are concerned, so it seems likely that William will be asked.' While Harry is likely to be upset if William is chosen to the be the baby's godfather over him, Jennie said the decision would've been made easier by the Grosvenors due to Harry's current, and possibly ongoing, situation with the Firm. Jennie said: 'These awkward decisions are made slightly easier by the fact that Harry lives so far away, with no prospect of ever moving back to the UK. And that's not the ideal way to carry out any godparenting duties. 'So I think Harry will understand if he is left out and William is chosen as godfather. But it must still be rather sad for him to see his once close friends carrying on their lives without him, while William continues to enjoy the warmth and fun of their friendship. It is, however, the price he has to pay for making such damaging allegations and causing such a bitter rift with his family.' The Duke and Duchess of Westminster welcomed their baby daughter last week, announcing that the little girl's name is Cosima Florence Grosvenor. After revealing they were expecting their first child back in March, the couple announced the birth of their first child in a statement, saying the baby was born in London, adding: "Both the Duchess and Cosima are doing well. The Duke and Duchess now look forward to spending this special time together as a family." Cosima is of Greek and Italian origin. The name carries a beautiful, elegant meaning and is derived from the Greek word kosmos (κόσμος), which means order, harmony, or the universe.
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
BBC launches investigation into Strictly stars' ‘cocaine use'
Reports in The Sun allege their drug use was discussed on the BBC dancing show, and said that the corporation had appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to lead the investigation. According to reports, the allegations were made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour. Others have also reported drug use on the show, according to The Sun. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' it is understood that the BBC often appoints external law firms to help it lead investigations, while reporting back to an internal team. The cast members involved in the investigation were not named by The Sun. It comes after the BBC launched a review into Strictly in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made – and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare. This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present 'at all times' during training room rehearsals. EastEnders star James Borthwick was also suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme.
