‘I quit my job to travel around Asia for two months – it taught me a lot about burnout'
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Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Mrs Brown's Boys viewers left in utter disbelief as controversial show returns to BBC
Fans have reacted sharply to the return of Mrs Brown's Boys, with many on social media branding it unfunny and questioning why it was ever commissioned 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.
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Galway woman named Best Dressed Lady at 2025 Galway Races
Ballybrit has been once again lit up with dazzling outfits as racegoers descended on town today for one of the most glamorous dates in the Irish social calendar: the crowning of Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races. Now in its 156th year, the Galway Races Summer Festival is a highlight of the year for fans of the racing as well as fashion, with plenty to thrill onlookers - not least Ladies Day, which takes place on the Thursday of the races. One of the biggest days in the Irish Racing calendar, this event always delivers showstopping looks as attendees dress to the nines in an effort to land the coveted title and cash prize. This year also marks the first in a three-year partnership between the Galway Races and multi-award-winning Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo, a powerhouse brand led by two female co-founders that is known for championing real skin, real women, and real confidence. The judging panel for ladies day this year is led by trusted voices in Irish fashion and beauty, with Galway Races icon Mandy Maher returning as Head Judge for the fourth year running, joined for the first time by Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo and Lisa McGowan, founder of Lisa & Co and Lisa's Lust List Best Dressed Lady Taking home the coveted €10,000 prize for Best Dressed Lady was Megan Cunniss from Newcastle Co Galway, whose look embodied the Ella & Jo ethos - bold, original, and completely her own. "I just can't believe it I am ecstatic. I'm from Galway so this means so much to me." Cuniss, who is a regular at Ladies Days throughout the year, wowed in a striking monochrome ensemble, stepping out in a sleeveless white dress white contrasting black trim and black buttons. She paired this with a black and white clutch bag hired from Mála Hire, sheer black gloves and black and white stiletto heels. She topped off her look with an elegant white wide-brimmed hat with a black trim, created by Millinery By Mairéad. Best Hat The prize for Best Hat went to Bride Butler from Thurles Co Tipperary, who was awarded the €3,000 prize for a standout piece by Michelle Kearns. The judges applauded the design for its originality, craftsmanship, and sheer presence. The Judges The stylish judges were just as impressively dressed, leading the charge for the Ladies. Head Judge Mandy Maher stepped out in a chic and summery ensemble, wearing a white jumpsuit paired with a woven belt to cinch the waist, a shimmering pale gold long jacket and gold pointed toed heels. She finished her look with a sculptural gold headpiece that swirled elegantly around her head. Niamh Ryan also opted for summer whites, wearing a stunning white dress with voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves and floral embroidery at the hem in shades of pale pink and beige. She paired this with a wide-brimmed straw hat and gold heels. Guest guest Lisa McGowan, meanwhile, went bold and turned heads in a scarlet gown with a slashed high neck and an A-line skirt. She paired this with a red clutch bag, nude heeled sandals and a feathered red headpiece. Speaking about the winning look, McGowan said: "Ladies Day holds such a special place in my heart. The standard this year was phenomenal, not just in terms of fashion, but in the presence behind the outfits. Our winner had that rare magic. She didn't just wear the look, she owned it."
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Ireland AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc's relationship with hubby as they gear up to welcome first child together
IRELAND AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc and her husband, former UFC fighter Cathal Pendred, have been on quite the journey together since tying the knot just over a year ago. The couple said 3 Siomha and Cathal are expecting their first child together Credit: Instagram 3 The pair tied the knot in June last year Credit: Instagram 3 Fans have said they're 'the most wonderful parents to be' Credit: Instagram Siomha and Cathal were surrounded by their close family, friends and a few well-known faces on the special day. The Irish presenter looked sensational in an elegant strapless gown which hugged her figure and cinched at the waist. The wedding dress also had a flattering cowl neckline and a unqiue twisted detailing on the chest and a long princess train attached to the back. She styled her magnificent gown with a classy mesh veil which trailed down to the ground. READ MORE ON SIOMHA NI RUAIRC The veil had gorgeous pearl and diamante embroidery throughout making for a striking look. The Her husband also looked super dapper supporting a classic black tuxedo, black dress shows, and black braces to match. The newlyweds posed for a series of heartwarming snaps on the grounds of the lavish castle. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN TOP TRIP After their big day, the pair jetted over to South East Asia to The pair set off on an "extended Christmas break" to Ireland AM star reveals 'worse part' of TV experience Siomha shared some of the gorgeous snaps she captured from their travels with fans on Instagram. FIRST ANNIVERSARY Fast forward to June this year, the cute couple marked their Taking to The doting wife sweetly wrote in her caption: "Filleadh ar Loch Iascaigh. Celebrating our first wedding anniversary back where it happened. "Love it even more after this trip. @cathal_pendred I'd be lost without you." BABY JOY And the couples love story has now taken an exciting turn, with Siomha announcing earlier this week that they are Sharing the news on posted a stunning snap of herself and her husband snuggled up together while Cathal held up a baby scan photo. Siomha was glowing in the picture as she protectively placed a hand on her growing bump and beamed. The happy pair penned in their caption: "Leanbh nua ag teacht ar an saol mí Eanáir 2026.", which translates to "new baby coming into the world this January." The host returned on air after her announcement to host Ireland AM alongside and Kevin Twomey. Alan started off the show by congratulating her on the wonderful news. Siomha then revealed when she'll be heading on maternity leave saying: "Thanks honey. I'm due in January so I should be around here until Christmas time." 'SURPRISE' And when Alan asked whether she knows the gender of her baby, Siomha revealed: "I'm not finding out. "My way of looking at it is - I think I can Google anything in the world but I can't Google, 'What's in my womb', so I want it to be a surprise." Alan asked: "So you're not going to do one of these reveal parties?" Siomha said: "No, I'm going to keep it the old fashion way." After sharing the amazing news to Instagram, both fans and friends rushed to congratulate the pair. Six O'Clock Show host, RTE 2FM star, While fellow Ireland AM co-host, Sarah remarked: "I knew it! Comhghairdeas!! The most gorgeous wee bump ever." And Leona cried: "The most wonderful parents to be!"
