07-04-2025
BBC confirms future of Mrs Brown's Boys after Brendan O'Carroll's 'racial slur'
The BBC has confirmed Mrs Brown's Boys will return for a brand new series despite controversial remarks made by the show's star Brendan O'Carroll.
The comedy programme first aired on BBC One back in 2011 and to date there have been four series.
O'Carroll, who is the show's creator and lead (playing the role of Agnes Brown), was forced to apologise late last year after making a "clumsy" joke where a "racial term was implied".
The remark was made during rehearsals for the Mrs Brown's Boys 2024 Christmas special.
The racial slur was made by Brendan O'Carroll during rehearsals for the Mrs Brown's Boys 2024 Christmas special. (Image: Alan Peebles/BBC/PA) The BBC temporarily suspended production and launched an investigation into the incident.
However, the show ended up airing as planned.
At the time, the BBC said: "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."
O'Carroll later apologised for the comment, which was made during a read-through of the scripts, where he was in character as Agnes Brown.
Those present were said to have been "left shocked by the slur", according to The Mirror.
Speaking to the news outlet, O'Carroll said: "It backfired and caused offence, which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised."
Despite the controversy surrounding O'Carroll's remarks, the BBC has officially revealed Mrs Brown's Boys will be back for a fifth series.
Filming for the new series will take place at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay studios in front of a live audience throughout May 2025.
The new episodes are expected to air later in the year, according to The Sun.
Teasing the new series, the BBC said: "Agnes Brown and the gang from Finglas are back! "Everyone's favourite Irish Mammy returns for a brand new fifth series featuring all your favourite characters, so get ready for more slapstick shenanigans this spring!"
Hi anyone looking to be in the audience for our recordings of a new series of Mrs. Brown's Boys click here to apply to be in with a chance
— Mrs. Brown's Boys (@MrsBrownsBoys) April 4, 2025
Applications to be a part of the live audience during filming for series five of Mrs Brown's Boys are now open.
You can apply for tickets via the BBC website.
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Applications for Mrs Brown's Boys tickets are open until 10pm on Thursday (April 10).
You can apply for a maximum of two tickets per recording and they will be allocated by a random draw.
You can see the full list of recording dates and times on the BBC website.