Latest news with #MrsBrown'sBoys
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I had to ring him,' says June Rodgers after warning husband over character Birdie's ‘reputation' in Mrs Brown's Boys
STAGE legend June Rodgers has revealed she had to warn her husband she was playing a woman with babies by seven different fellas in Mrs Brown's Boys. The Advertisement 4 June Rodgers has revealed she had to warn her husband about her new role Credit: Journalist Collects 4 She plays the best pal and neighbour of Agnes Brown, Birdie Flanagan, in the show's first mini-series since 2013 Credit: BBC 4 She said she 'had to ring my husband Peter to let him know what his wife was doing on TV' June will star in all four episodes as However, June admits she got a shock when Mrs Brown's Boys star June told The Irish Sun: 'Birdie has a reputation in that she had seven While June's character Birdie faced some opposition on screen from fellow neighbour Winnie McGoogan, jealous of her growing friendship with their mutual pal Agnes, off screen June said the cast of Mrs Brown couldn't have been more welcoming. Advertisement READ MORE ON MRS BROWN'S BOYS June told us: 'We had an EastEnders actress in the cast and when we finished filming, she said she wished she was coming into this every day. Mrs Brown's set is such fun and there's a great atmosphere. 'Much of that is down to Brendan. He is holding it all together and has such a huge responsibility on his shoulders. But Brendan never loses it and always keeps the ball rolling.' While critics of the show have called for it to be culled after ratings slumped for the Christmas specials, June claims Mrs Brown is in rude health. She told us: 'I only wish those critics could see the reaction of the audiences in Glasgow while we were filming. They absolutely love it. Advertisement Most read in News TV 'They would be queuing outside the 'You'd have 350 in the audience and another 300 people in the viewing room howling with laughter.' Mrs Brown's Boys star insists racist joke at Christmas special filming 'was a good thing' for the BBC because it 'raised awareness' Another fan of Mrs Brown turned up unexpectedly during the filming to say hello, country superstar Daniel O'Donnell. June said: 'You don't expect to meet Advertisement June revealed she is hanging up her mic on her live Christmas show which she's been doing for over two decades. However, fans will be able to enjoy June over the festive period as Brendan has booked her for his two Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials. June said: 'In my own show, I have 20 people working with me and it's stressful. But on Mrs Brown's Boys, I just relax and only have to think about myself. I was heading for a bus pass — and instead I'm on the BBC.' 4 Brendan has booked June for his two Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials Credit: BBC Advertisement
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The 1% Club's Lee Mack reveals snub by A-list rock legend and why his ‘half-diagnosed' ADHD helps him write jokes
The new series of Not Going Out, kicks off this month, will feature special guests NOT GOING OUT QUIETLY The 1% Club's Lee Mack reveals snub by A-list rock legend and why his 'half-diagnosed' ADHD helps him write jokes LEE MACK's long-running comedy Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV. And the funnyman fears the format, a staple for generations, could soon die out and blames 'risk averse' commissioners and up-and-coming writers who are unfamiliar with its concept. Advertisement 9 Comedian Lee Mack worries that sitcoms could soon die out 9 Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture 9 Mrs Brown's Boys is one of the only shows left of its type Credit: PA Speaking at the launch of a record 14th series of his BBC One hit, which makes it Britain's second longest-running sitcom ever, Lee says shows such as Not Going Out, Fawlty Towers and Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past. He said: 'A 25-year-old comic now will remember The Office or the Royle Family, and will probably be even too young for that, but certainly won't have grown up watching Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, Steptoe And Son, Rising Damp, all the things I used to watch, that I used to love thinking 'wouldn't it be brilliant to do something like that one day'. 'That's the worry in a way. If you're a fan of studio sitcom, the younger people coming through haven't been brought up on it to want to do it.' Gag rate And young writers aren't the only problem, as commissioners are less likely to take a punt on a new studio sitcom with a live audience, because they think it's too 'risky'. Advertisement Instead they play it safe by making viewers feel 'awkward', as that's easier and less likely to get a bashing from critics. Lee, who names his sitcom, Mrs Brown's Boys and Miranda (which may or may not return) as the only shows left of this type, explains: 'Love or hate a studio sitcom, there's no denying — especially with Mrs Brown's Boys for example — they are really trying to go for the laughs, there's a real attempt to do that. 'So if you attempt something, and it doesn't work in the eyes of the person who doesn't like it . . . people are being more risk-averse now by saying 'why don't we make people feel awkward'.' The BBC has commissioned two new series of Not Going Out, and with the second running next year, the comedy will have aired for 20 years and racked up 15 series — second only to Last Of The Summer Wine. Advertisement Lee prides himself on his sitcom's gag rate of five jokes every minute, as well as the comedy's ability to play out in real time, 'like a play', meaning they attempt to shoot a 30-minute episode in one go. The comic, who also stars in TV juggernauts Would I Lie To You? and The 1% Club, admits he's always 'obsessively writing jokes' during states of 'hyperfocus' which he puts down to his 'half-diagnosed' ADHD. The 1% Club's Lee Mack shocked as record number use pass on question - but can you get it right- The new series kicks off this month with Lee, who plays a fictional version of himself, and on-screen wife Lucy (Sally Bretton) moving to the country as their kids fly the nest. The show has fast-forwarded seven years since its last outing in 2023, with the 100th episode and Christmas special watched by 4.6million viewers. Advertisement The series will also feature special guests, one of which will not be a Gallagher brother, despite Lee's best efforts to lure in Noel Gallagher for a cameo. Lee says: 'I texted Noel and it was the day after the Saturday release of the (reunion) tickets. 'I suspect his inbox was quite big. I said 'I know this isn't a good time but I reckon everyone is asking for tickets — and I'm probably the only one who isn't but will you be in my sitcom?' 'Never got back to me. It's been almost eight months now and I am tempted to send one more message saying 'is it a no?'' Advertisement He may have had better luck asking his brother Liam, who counts himself as a Lee fan — well, sort of. The comedian adds: 'I've never met Liam, but I was once in a play with Mathew Horne from Gavin And Stacey, who said to me, 'I met up with Liam Gallagher last night and told him I was in a play with you and he said 'ah yeah, I've always thought Lee Mack's a bit of a w*nker but I suppose he's all right' — which I take as a high compliment.' Indeed he should. 9 Lee is concerned that there may not be another iconic comedy like Fawlty Towers Credit: Alamy 9 Miranda may not ever return to screens Credit: Handout Advertisement 9 Hits like Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past Credit: BBC UK DEBUT AMERICAN thriller The Consultant gets its UK debut on Sunday, with all episodes dropping on ITVX. Based on the novel of the same name, it sees Christoph Waltz as the title character Regus Patoff navigating the challenges of improving a gaming firm that pushes him to the limit. Auction bid for Sarah 9 Channel 4 will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by Sarah Beeny Credit: Getty CHANNEL 4 is adding another property series to its roster – following people who have bought their home at auction. The broadcaster, which already has shows including Location Location Location, Grand Designs and Amazing Spaces, will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by Sarah Beeny. Advertisement The six-part programme is being made by the production company behind ITV's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. It will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to the final renovation, with property expert Sarah on hand to offer advice along the way. She said: 'Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be exciting, albeit nerve-racking.' Chase for top escape 9 The Chase stars will feature on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers Advertisement IF you've ever dreamt of watching The Governess, The Beast and The Dark Destroyer slap suncream on each other in foreign climes, then ITV may just have the show for you. I can reveal the channel is working on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers. It will take groups of TV fan favourites from the likes of The Chase - including Anne Hegerty – Loose Women, I'm A Celeb and Coronation Street and send them off on a jaunt. A source said: 'The show will be lots of fun, showing a whole new side of each celebrity and even shining a light on some unusual holiday hotspots. Advertisement 'The celebs will fight it out to give the others the best holiday experience with the aim of being crowned 'the great escaper'.' Filming across Europe will begin this summer with the show to air later this year. I'd pay good money to see the Loosey Wims take Benidorm. Footy flick HOW To Have Sex writer Molly Manning Walker is making Channel 4 drama series, Major Players, about two young women trying to start a football team. She said: 'It is a coming-of-age story, filled with first love, grief and bicycle kicks. I'm excited to shine a light on women's football.' Chloe's tantric antics 9 Ex Love Islander Chloe Burrows ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating on her latest TV outing Credit: Splash Advertisement FORMER Love Islander Chloe Burrows is on a new quest for romance on her latest TV outing. Chloe, who featured on the 2021 series of the ITV2 reality show, ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating to see how singletons meet now. Love In The Wild: The Real Dating Experiment sees Chloe asked to dance, hug, meditate and hold hands with strangers at a tantric dating night, in the hope it will cause a spark. Chloe says: 'They have a 94 per cent match success rate, so I was hopeful. Advertisement 'It's really intense, there's so much touching, I don't think I'm a tantric girlie. I don't even hug my mum that much.' It streams on Channel 4 from tomorrow.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The 1% Club's Lee Mack reveals snub by A-list rock legend and why his ‘half-diagnosed' ADHD helps him write jokes
LEE MACK's long-running comedy Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV. And 9 Comedian Lee Mack worries that sitcoms could soon die out 9 Not Going Out is one of the increasingly rare studio-based sitcoms still on TV Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture 9 Mrs Brown's Boys is one of the only shows left of its type Credit: PA Speaking at the launch of a record 14th series of his BBC One hit, which makes it Britain's second longest-running sitcom ever, Lee says shows such as Not Going Out, Fawlty Towers and Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past. He said: 'A 25-year-old comic now will remember The Office or the Royle Family, and will probably be even too young for that, but certainly won't have grown up watching Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, Steptoe And Son, Rising Damp, all the things I used to watch, that I used to love thinking 'wouldn't it be brilliant to do something like that one day'. 'That's the worry in a way. If you're a fan of studio Gag rate And young writers aren't the only problem, as commissioners are less likely to take a punt on a new studio sitcom with a live audience, because they think it's too 'risky'. READ MORE ON TV STARS Instead they play it safe by making viewers feel 'awkward', as that's easier and less likely to get a bashing from critics. Lee, who names his sitcom, Mrs Brown's Boys and Miranda (which may or may not return) as the only shows left of this type, explains: 'Love or hate a studio sitcom, there's no denying — especially with Mrs Brown's Boys for example — they are really trying to go for the laughs, there's a real attempt to do that. 'So if you attempt something, and it doesn't work in the eyes of the person who doesn't like it . . . people are being more risk-averse now by saying 'why don't we make people feel awkward'.' Most read in News TV Lee prides himself on his sitcom's gag rate of five jokes every minute, as well as the comedy's ability to play out in real time, 'like a play', meaning they attempt to shoot a 30-minute episode in one go. The comic, who also stars in TV juggernauts Would I Lie To You? and The 1% Club, admits he's always 'obsessively writing jokes' during states of 'hyperfocus' which he puts down to his 'half-diagnosed' ADHD. The 1% Club's Lee Mack shocked as record number use pass on question - but can you get it right- The new series kicks off this month with Lee, who plays a fictional version of himself, and on-screen wife Lucy (Sally Bretton) moving to the country as their kids fly the nest. The show has fast-forwarded seven years since its last outing in 2023, with the 100th episode and Christmas special watched by 4.6million viewers. The series will also feature special guests, one of which will not be a Gallagher brother, despite Lee's best efforts to lure in Noel Gallagher for a cameo. Lee says: 'I texted Noel and it was the day after the Saturday release of the (reunion) tickets. 'I suspect his inbox was quite big. I said 'I know this isn't a good time but I reckon everyone is asking for tickets — and I'm probably the only one who isn't but will you be in my sitcom?' 'Never got back to me. It's been almost eight months now and I am tempted to send one more message saying 'is it a no?'' He may have had better luck asking his brother The comedian adds: 'I've never met Liam, but I was once in a play with Indeed he should. 9 Lee is concerned that there may not be another iconic comedy like Fawlty Towers Credit: Alamy 9 Miranda may not ever return to screens Credit: Handout 9 Hits like Dad's Army may soon be a thing of the past Credit: BBC UK DEBUT AMERICAN thriller The Consultant gets its UK debut on Sunday, with all episodes dropping on ITVX. Based on the novel of the same name, it sees Christoph Waltz as the title character Regus Patoff navigating the challenges of improving a gaming firm that pushes him to the limit. Auction bid for Sarah 9 Channel 4 will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by Sarah Beeny Credit: Getty CHANNEL 4 is adding another property series to its roster – following people who have bought their home at auction. The broadcaster, which already has shows including Location Location Location, Grand Designs and Amazing Spaces, will air I Bought It At Auction, fronted by The six-part programme is being made by the production company behind ITV's Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. It will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to the final renovation, with property expert Sarah on hand to offer advice along the way. She said: 'Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be exciting, albeit nerve-racking.' Chase for top escape 9 The Chase stars will feature on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers IF you've ever dreamt of watching The Governess, The Beast and The Dark Destroyer slap suncream on each other in foreign climes, then ITV may just have the show for you. I can reveal the channel is working on a fun new holiday format called The Great Escapers. It will take groups of TV fan favourites from the likes of The Chase - including A source said: 'The show will be lots of fun, showing a whole new side of each celebrity and even shining a light on some unusual holiday hotspots. 'The celebs will fight it out to give the others the best holiday experience with the aim of being crowned 'the great escaper'.' Filming across Europe will begin this summer with the show to air later this year. I'd pay good money to see the Loosey Wims take Benidorm. Footy flick HOW To Have Sex writer Molly Manning Walker is making Channel 4 drama series, Major Players, about two young women trying to start a football team. She said: 'It is a coming-of-age story, filled with first love, grief and bicycle kicks. I'm excited to shine a light on women's football.' Chloe's tantric antics 9 Ex Love Islander Chloe Burrows ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating on her latest TV outing Credit: Splash FORMER Chloe, who featured on the 2021 series of the ITV2 reality show, ditches matchmaking apps and gets dating to see how singletons meet now. Love In The Wild: The Real Dating Experiment sees Chloe asked to dance, hug, meditate and hold hands with strangers at a tantric dating night, in the hope it will cause a spark. Chloe says: 'They have a 94 per cent match success rate, so I was hopeful. 'It's really intense, there's so much touching, I don't think I'm a tantric girlie. I don't even hug my mum that much.' It streams on Channel 4 from tomorrow.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mrs Brown's Boys is back and cast tease plenty of laughs in brand new series
Mrs Brown's Boys star Danny O'Carroll has opened up about what fans can expect from the new TV series. Filming for series five of the hit BBC show has finally wrapped up. And former Dancing With The Stars finalist Danny admitted it's a 'great TV series'. Captioning a picture with his dad and show creator Brendan, he said: 'Tomorrow we film the last episode of the new Mrs Brown's Boys mini TV series. What a great TV series this is. I hope you guys laugh as much watching it, as we did filming it.' On Thursday, the cast and crew tested the episodes in front of a live studio audience of around 200 people. This will be the fifth series of Mrs Brown's Boys, consisting of four episodes. It's rumoured country singer Daniel O'Donnell could be making an appearance in the show after the star visited the Glasgow studios in April. In a smiling photo posted to the official Mrs Brown's Boys X page, Daniel could be seen meeting the cast. The Donegal native looked as happy as ever as he put his arms around Jennifer Gibney and Eilish O'Carroll for the snap. A caption over the image wrote: "A wee treat for mammy today with the unexpected visit of our dear friend Daniel O'Donnell. What an absolute tonic, but he's more my cup of tea #danielodonnell." A second snap showed Daniel holding up a visitors pass which had the word "family" written on it. However, it has not yet been confirmed if Daniel is set to appear as a guest in an episode.
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.
