Latest news with #Mrs.Brown'sBoys
Dublin Live
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Rory Cowan bids farewell to Fair City after five years and fans have seen final scenes
Rory Cowan has left Fair City after five years, it has been confirmed. The former Mrs Brown's Boys actor joined the RTÉ soap back in 2019 as John 'Bosco' Walsh. Bosco was introduced to Carrigstown as part of the O'Brien family, and looked after his mum Rose, who was ill with dementia. The storyline was particularly poignant for Rory, whose own mother, Esther, also suffered with the condition. Bosco quickly integrated himself into Carrigstown and became a notable community character in recent years. But now, Rory has decided to retire from work ahead of his 66th birthday and quietly exited the soap earlier this year. A Fair City spokesperson told RSVP Live: "Rory Cowan made the decision to retire from Fair City earlier this year. "Following his success in Mrs. Brown's Boys, Rory joined the cast in 2019 as John 'Bosco' Walsh - a character known for his kind-hearted personality, wit and comedic timing. Rory brought warmth, humour and depth to the role, quickly becoming a much-loved member of the Fair City family. "His contribution to the series, both on-screen and behind the scenes, has been greatly valued by colleagues and viewers alike. Rory will be missed by the cast, crew and fans across the country. We extend our thanks to him for his time on Fair City and wish him every happiness and fulfilment in his retirement." At the time of joining Fair City back in 2019, Rory said he was a long-time fan of the soap. He explained: "Since the very beginning, thirty years ago, yes I have been a fan. But for a good few years, when I was touring the world with Mrs Brown's Boys, I lost touch with what was happening in Carrigstown. "But when I left Mrs Brown's Boys to care for my mother, who had dementia, I got back into watching it again. Myself and my ma used to watch the omnibus on Sunday afternoons. "I've lovely memories of those Sundays with my mam watching Fair City." For Rory, comedy acting and working on a soap are two different beasts. "The timing and pace is different. It's another skill altogether," he added. "So acting in Fair City is totally different to acting in Mrs Brown's Boys, but that's what I find so interesting about it. "If I'd been asked to go into another situation comedy I probably would have said no, but being offered a role in Fair City was never going to be something I'd refuse." In 2024, Rory took part in Dancing With The Stars, and shared his plans to retire in the near future. The actor and TV personality will turn 66 in July, and recently told that while he is retiring from showbiz, he will "still be around" - joking he will be "a bit older but not wiser." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Extra.ie
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Rory Cowan's next big career move: 'I'm going to become a burden on the state'
'I'm totally retired,' funnyman Rory has told 'I'm turning 66 in July so I'm officially a pensioner and I can't f***n wait,' he laughed. And apparently taking to a life of retirement like the proverbial fish to water, Rory said he can't wait for this next chapter saying; 'the world is my lobster' 'I am going to become a burden on the state. I get the free travel pass so I'm planning on taking myself off and going for lunch and Kilkenny one day and Cork the next,' Rory said. Rory Cowan. Pic:As he approaches the ripe young age of 66, Rory said he has no plans to change his ways. 'I'm retiring from show business, but I'll still be around,' said Rory before adding, 'I'll still be the same me, just a bit older but not wiser.' Mrs Brown's Boy actor Rory, who has been a stalwart of Irish entertainment for decades, said he thoroughly enjoyed all of the opportunities that have come his way over the course of his career. Rory Cowan and Brendan O'Carroll on Mrs Brown's Boys. Photo: BBC. 'When I left Mrs. Brown's Boys, it was a big decision. But then I was in two Pantos, I wrote a book and then I got the gig in Fair City. I would have had none of those opportunities if I had stayed in Mrs. Brown's Boys,' he reflected. And Rory's Fair City character Bosco proved such a hit with viewers that directors tried to coax him to stay by offering to extend his contract with the soap. 'About a year-and-a-half ago, around last January, I said I was retired. I just had to finish off the Fair City contract that I had,' said Rory. 'And they got back to me in September, and they said, 'are you really retired?,' and I panicked.' Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie gets an airing. Pic: Gerry McDonnell/Cathal Burke/ 'So I was thinking if I retire now, I'll have nothing. You can't just walk back into the gig when you walk out. So I said 'maybe I'll stay on with Fair City and I won't do anything else.' 'So they sent me out a new contract, and they said, 'return it by the second or third of October,' Rory recalled. 'So I just thought, ' I really have to go for this'. However, after reflecting for some time, Rory decided to walk away and not sign on for another run in Carrigstown. 'So it came to October 3rd and the contract was still sitting there and I was thinking 'will I sign it?' But then I thought to myself 'no'.' Pic: Kyran O'Brien So as he rides off into the sunset, Rory told Extra that Fair City was his most rewarding and enjoyable gig. 'I absolutely adored that gig in Fair City. It was a lovely gig to have, and I would advise any actor who is ever thinking, or ever offered a chance, to jump at it straight away. ' 'It's a f*****g brilliant gig. And the people are all lovely, the crew are lovely. Everybody is fabulous. I absolutely enjoyed every minute. I was there for five years, and I enjoyed every single minute,' said Rory.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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. RECOMMENDED READING: Mrs Brown's Boys creator speaks out about the future of the hit BBC show Mrs Brown's Boys creator Brendan O'Carroll lands new BBC show with huge name Sir David Jason reveals 'secret' role he played on iconic BBC comedy sketch show 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.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rhys McClenaghan wins Dancing with the Stars
Olympic gold medal gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan have won Irish broadcaster RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars. They were competing against three other couples in the final on Sunday night. The 25-year-old, from County Down, and his partner looked visibly stunned when the announcement was made. When asked how he felt by presenter Jennifer Zamparelli, he replied: "I don't know, I don't have any words." His parents, Tracy and Danny watched on as their son and Laura took home the coveted Glitterball trophy. The other couples who took part in the grand finale were Mrs. Brown's Boys actor Danny O'Carroll and Salome Chachua, social media influencer Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov. Each of the four couples had to perform two dances for the judges during the final. The first dance of the evening was the judges' choice with each couple performing a routine from a previous week. Rhys reprised his movie week role of Spider-Man as he and his partner Laura danced the Charleston to the iconic film tune. For the second dance each couple performed their show dance which allowed them to combine different dance styles and skills they had learned during the competition. Ahead of the finale, Rhys and Laura travelled to his home gym in Newtownards where he was greeted by dozens of young, aspiring gymnasts. During the visit, Laura described him as a "dream student".
