Latest news with #MrsBrownsBoys
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Mrs Brown's Boys returns for new season and Brendan O'Carroll reveals what's next in store for Agnes Brown
Agnes and the Finglas gang return for more laughs, chaos and heartfelt moments in a brand-new season of Mrs Brown's Boys. With her usual blend of no-nonsense wisdom and razor-sharp wit, Agnes Brown (Brendan O'Carroll) continues to meddle in the lives of her nearest and dearest – with hilarious consequences! In these brand-new episodes the Brown family navigate fresh misadventures, unexpected guests, and the chaos that only Agnes can create. Watch Mrs Brown's Boys Series 5 on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist CK Interview With Brendan O'Carroll (Agnes Brown) What does the new series have in store for Agnes? What can viewers look forward to? The mini-series focuses on the continuing life in the Brown family and surrounding households in Finglas. Cathy gets involved with a podcast producer, which obviously is commandeered by Agnes, Winnie and Birdy. Granddad decides that he wants to leave the family home for a care home, Agnes of course packs his bags for him. Winnie's husband's car, which has been lying up for ten years, is pressed into action by Winnie, leading to a disastrous driving test which ends with a huge shock for the Brown family. In Foley's lounge bar, Father Damien stages his annual Finglas talent show, with some hilarious entries. All capped off with a wonderfully hilarious "trip" as Agnes is confined to a mobile chair. How do you approach writing for the show? Did you do so differently for this series than you do for the specials? The writing of the mini-series is much more relaxing for myself and Paddy Houlihan, who joins me as a writer. With the Christmas Specials, I have to keep it within the Christmas period (including the Christmas trees which have emerged as their own event), unlike the specials we can focus on anything, within reason. How did the ideas for the episodes this series come about? The ideas for these episodes are no different from the previous 53 episodes. Believe it or not most of the story lines are based on true events that either happened to my family or have been told to me by people about their families. Everybody has a story, and it's quite common for someone in a family to say in the middle of a family disaster, "This is like an episode of Mrs. Brown's Boys". Did you have a favourite moment filming this series? Oh yeah, Having Agnes on that mobility scooter was such fun. She goes nuts, with hilarious consequences. Also in the "Talent Show" episode I love the interaction between Agnes and Granddad. Look, in every episode there is something that stands out for me, I love being Agnes Brown and I love her family, and her neighbours like Winnie and Birdy. If you could play any other role in Mrs Brown's Boys what would it be? This is a hard one. I love being Agnes. I'm not lying when I say... I could not play any of the characters better than the actors who play them now. In particular, the likes of Cathy or Mark, without them the gags don't work. What does filming the show in front of a studio audience bring to it? Filming in front of a live audience is essential to the show. So many times, at the end of rehearsals for a particular episode, our Director, Ben Kellett will say "All this needs now is the audience" and he is so right. They follow every move, every line and add so much to our performances. We would be lost without them. What's the secret to the enduring success of the show? I honestly don't know the secret to the enduring success of Mrs. Brown's Boys, I write and perform what I think is funny and just hope that somebody somewhere watching gets a laugh out of it. That's it, and, although I sometimes try to include a "family" message along the way, essentially it's just a bunch of actors trying to make you laugh. Follow for more
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brendan O'Carroll says Mrs Brown's Boys storylines are ‘based on true events'
Irish actor and comedian, Brendan O'Carroll, has said the storylines for Mrs Brown's Boys are 'based on true events'. O'Carroll, 69, who is best known for playing the menacing matriarch, Agnes Brown, in the hit BBC comedy series, will reprise the role in a new miniseries. The fifth series, which is due to air on August 1 on BBC One, follows Mrs Brown as her meddling – into the lives of her family and friends, takes her on a number of misadventures. Speaking about the new series, O'Carroll said: 'Believe it or not most of the storylines are based on true events that either happened to my family or have been told to me by people about their families. 'Everybody has a story, and it's quite common for someone in a family to say in the middle of a family disaster, 'This is like an episode of Mrs Brown's Boys'. 'In every episode there is something that stands out for me. I love being Agnes Brown and I love her family, and her neighbours like Winnie and Birdy.' The new series will see Mrs Brown as she becomes the subject of a podcast, helps Winnie pass her driving test and becomes the unexpected new member of a book club where she discovers a 'passion' for steamy fiction. Mrs Brown's Boys was first broadcast on BBC One in 2011 and has since transmitted more than 50 episodes, including Christmas specials. The Bafta-winning series is filmed in front of a studio audience which O'Carroll described as 'essential'. He said: 'So many times, at the end of rehearsals for a particular episode, our director, Ben Kellett will say 'all this needs now is the audience' and he is so right. 'They follow every move, every line and add so much to our performances. We would be lost without them.' The miniseries will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday August 1.
BreakingNews.ie
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Brendan O'Carroll says Mrs Brown's Boys storylines are ‘based on true events'
Irish actor and comedian, Brendan O'Carroll, has said the storylines for Mrs Brown's Boys are 'based on true events'. O'Carroll, 69, who is best known for playing the menacing matriarch, Agnes Brown, in the hit BBC comedy series, will reprise the role in a new miniseries. Advertisement The fifth series, which is due to air on August 1st on BBC One, follows Mrs Brown as her meddling – into the lives of her family and friends, takes her on a number of misadventures. Brendan O'Carroll in the press room with the Best Comedy Award for 'Mrs Brown's Boys' at the National Television Awards 2017, held at The O2 Arena, London. (Ian West/PA) Speaking about the new series, O'Carroll said: 'Believe it or not most of the storylines are based on true events that either happened to my family or have been told to me by people about their families. 'Everybody has a story, and it's quite common for someone in a family to say in the middle of a family disaster, 'This is like an episode of Mrs Brown's Boys'. 'In every episode there is something that stands out for me. I love being Agnes Brown and I love her family, and her neighbours like Winnie and Birdy.' Advertisement The new series will see Mrs Brown as she becomes the subject of a podcast, helps Winnie pass her driving test and becomes the unexpected new member of a book club where she discovers a 'passion' for steamy fiction. Mrs Brown's Boys was first broadcast on BBC One in 2011 and has since transmitted more than 50 episodes, including Christmas specials. Brendan O'Carroll collects the Best Sitcom award received for Mrs Brown's Boys during the 2013 National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London. (Ian West/PA) The Bafta-winning series is filmed in front of a studio audience which O'Carroll described as 'essential'. He said: 'So many times, at the end of rehearsals for a particular episode, our director, Ben Kellett will say 'all this needs now is the audience' and he is so right. Advertisement 'They follow every move, every line and add so much to our performances. We would be lost without them.' The miniseries will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, August 1st.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Controversial BBC sitcom confirms return to screens in just weeks - despite viewers raging ‘haven't we suffered enough?!' and scandal surrounding show's creator
A controversial sitcom is confirmed to be returning to screens in just weeks - despite pleas from viewers and scandal surrounding the show's creator. The slapstick BBC series, Mrs. Brown's Boys, is due to return for its fifth season next month. Mrs. Brown's Boys first aired in 2011 and follows Irish matriarch Agnes Brown, played by creator Brendan O'Carroll, as she causes chaos in the lives of her six children. The broadcaster has confirmed the sitcom is set to hit screens again on Friday, August 1 at 9.30pm on BBC One. In an announcement, 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!' While BBC comedy boss John Petrie said: 'Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. 'Mrs. Brown's Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC's most-watched comedies ever. I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable.' In October last year it was revealed that the Beeb had halted the sitcom to launch an investigation after a slur that Irish comedian Brendan said during rehearsals for the Christmas specials. Brendan apologised as he told The Mirror: 'At a read-through of the Mrs. Brown's Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied. 'It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.' A source told The Mirror that cast and crew were stood down while the corporation 'tried to get to the bottom of it'. A BBC spokesperson said at the time: '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.' The return of Mrs. Brown's Boys hasn't been well received by some fans who took to social media to rage. One posted on X: 'Literally no one asked for this. The BBC becoming even more irrelevant and out of touch.' 'Why oh why is this still commissioned?? #MrsBrownsBoys not been funny in years!!!!!' 'Dropping ratings and such bad reviews and bad comments from audience and keeps coming back like rotten smell! Give the investment to more new comedy not keep old ones past best limping on @BBC,' someone else penned. Another added: ''Oh great news' said absolutely nobody.' 'Only the 5th series? Why does it feel like this has been annoying us all for decades,' one said. Though some were happy about the new season and one wrote: 'Can't wait loooove it.' Someone else added: 'Great news. The only funny thing on tv.' The return of Mrs. Brown's Boys hasn't been well received by some fans who took to social media to rage Though some were happy about the new season and one wrote: 'Can't wait loooove it.' Back in December Brendan revealed the future of the programme amid plummeting ratings. The festive special in 2024 saw its ratings at the lowest ever. But despite the negative feedback, he confirmed that the show would still be returning. Brendan told the Daily Star: 'We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. It's lovely to be asked to do another one.'
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Controversial BBC sitcom confirms return to TV after racist slur apology – and it's just weeks away
A CONTROVERSIAL BBC sitcom has been confirmed to return to TV despite the show's star being forced to apologise over a racial slur. The Beeb have officially revealed the show will be back for a fifth series and it's only weeks away. 3 3 Mrs Brown's Boys will return for its fifth series on Friday 1st August at 9:30pm on BBC One. The BBC tease: "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!" The BBC's head of comedy, Jon Petrie added: "Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. "Mrs. Brown's Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC's most-watched comedies ever. I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable." The BBC have also reportedly commissioned a full series of a new comedy starring Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll alongside Tommy Cannon. Filming on the series is due to commence in July and will air on BBC One. Titled Shedites, Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan Carroll plays the lead role 'Jimmy', with Tommy Cannon starring as his best friend. Produced by BBC Studios, Brendan's Mrs Brown's Boys co-writer Paddy Houlihan scripted Shedites. Speaking to The Irish Sun in December 2023, Brendan shared: 'I've been advocating for the BBC to make this show for a long time because as well as being really funny, it highlights men's mental health. Mrs Brown's Boys star insists racist joke at Christmas special filming 'was a good thing' for the BBC because it 'raised awareness' 'It's not something men talk about, but it's got easier because of the men's shed movement which has sprung up in UK and Ireland. 'There's a kitchen, a card table and all that but even more important, men can go there and talk through their problems.' It comes following calls from Jon Petrie, The Director of Comedy at the BBC, to "save our sitcoms." He previously said: "If our comedy eco-system is shrinking, then it's on all us to fight for the right of UK mainstream comedy to exist. Best BBC comedies A BBC boss called on the industry to "save our sitcoms", but the corporation has a history of fantastic shows. We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen. Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) - Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel. Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) - The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters', in particular their brazen attempts to get rich. Blackadder (1983 - 1989) - Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time Absolutely Fabulous (1992 - 2012) - Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina 'Eddie' Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay 'hip'. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on. Little Britain (2003 - 2006) - The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy! The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) - A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line 'Am I bovvered?'. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous 'Nan', Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie. Gavin and Stacey (2007 - Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade. "The sitcom isn't dead but it needs a couple of Berocca. And a black americano with two sugars." News of the Mrs Browns boys return comes after Brendan O'Carroll was forced to issue a grovelling apology after he cracked a 'joke' using the N-word in front of a junior member of production who was so upset they later quit. Last year, the BBC temporarily halted filming of the show's Christmas special after Brendan made the attempted gag which he later admitted it had backfired. A TV insider said: 'Virtually everyone in the room on the day that the outburst happened were shocked, but the reading continued for some time without anyone saying or doing anything as they were so stunned. 'There was no excuses for what he said or any kind of context or mitigation he could provide for making the slur, he just seemed to think it was amusing.' Brendan said of the incident: 'At a read-through of the Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, where a racial term was implied. 'It backfired and caused offence, which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.' 3
