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Mrs Brown's Boys specials axed as Brendan O'Carroll undergoes 'immediate surgery'

Brendan OCarroll has cancelled recordings of the 2026 Christmas and New Years specials of Mrs Brown's Boys as he needs immediate surgery for fractures in his jaw

[Mrs Brown's Boys]

Mrs Brown's Boys 2026 Christmas and New Years specials have been cancelled(Image: BBC / BocPIX / Greame Hunter)

Mrs Brown's Boys fans will be devastated to learn that the BBC sitcom will not air it's festive specials this year.

The series stars Brendan O'Carroll as Agnes Brown, with several of his real-life close friends and family members making up the rest of the cast.

The show adopts an informal production style often breaking the fourth wall material that would normally be outtakes are intentionally left in broadcast episodes, along with intentional tomfoolery, mostly instigated by O'Carroll.

However, it has been confirmed that OCarroll has cancelled recordings of the 2026 Christmas and New Year's specials as he needs immediate surgery for fractures in his jaw, the Irish actor and comedian said in a statement.

He wrote: It is with sincere regret I must announce that due to an unexpected medical issue I will have to cancel the recordings of the 2026 Mrs Browns Boys Christmas and New Years Specials.

[Publicity image for Mrs Brown's Boys with the cast all posing together in character including Dermot O'Neill and Brendan O'Carroll]

The BBC series stars Brendan O'Carroll as Agnes Brown, with several of his real-life close friends and family members making up the rest of the cast(Image: BBC)

Following a CT Scan, it was found that I had two fractures in my mandible (jaw) which requires immediate surgery and a few months recovery."

He also announced that he would have to postpone his Mrs Browns Boys DPanto? shows in Dublin and Killarney, which were scheduled for later this year.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made on medical advice from my consultant, he said. To say I am heartbroken is an absolute understatement.

I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused.

The comedian and actor said he and MCD Productions were currently working to reschedule the shows for 2027.

OCarroll went on to write that he had also been speaking with the BBC about getting his TV series back on the screen in 2027.

[ Brendan O'Carroll attends the NTA's 2025 at The O2 Arena on September 10, 2025 in London, England.]

O'Carroll needs immediate surgery for fractures in his jaw(Image: Getty Images for the NTA's)

He then thanked MCD and the BBC for their "support and understanding at this difficult time".

OCarroll said he was now focused on getting himself "back to full health", adding: "I genuinely cannot wait to see you all again in 2027.

"Our fans mean the world to us, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support and trust me Agnes Brown and her family will be back."

A BBC spokesperson said: We wish Brendan a full and speedy recovery and are working with him on plans for Mrs Browns Boys in 2027.

The 2025 Christmas special saw Mrs Brown "rediscover the meaning of family" as she gathered her nearest and dearest for a festive photo.

Meanwhile, Buster revealed another one of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact, and Cathy was in a tizzy over what gifts to get everyone.

[Mrs Brown's Boys cast]

Fans will have to wait until next year for more Mrs Brown's Boys(Image: BBC Studios / Elaine Livingston)

However, not all fans were thrilled about the return of the show. One disgruntled viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time to vent: "The BBC have just witnessed the biggest switch off in their history as they announce the Christmas special of #mrsbrownsboys."

Another chimed in with: "A s*** #eastenders and now #MrsBrownsBoys ? ? ! I'm off to bed!." While some fans boycotted the show, others were undecided, and a few claimed the show was the highlight of their evening.

One viewer commented: "Okay, that VR bit with granddad is probably the only funny thing #MrsBrownsBoys has produced in the past decade."

Another viewer defended the show, saying: "What's with all the people whining about #MrsBrownsBoys? If you don't like it, change the f***ing channel and move on. Stop ruining it for the people who enjoy it."

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