Brendan O'Carroll, the 70-year-old star of Mrs Brown's Boys, has cancelled the 2026 Christmas and New Year's specials of the show due to an unexpected medical issue. The comedian announced on social media that a CT scan revealed two fractures in his mandible (jaw), which require immediate surgery and a few months of recovery.
Heartbreaking Announcement
In a statement shared with fans, O'Carroll expressed his regret: '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. Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's Specials.' He added, '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.'
O'Carroll, who first created the character Mrs Brown on a radio series in the early 1990s, said he is already in talks with the BBC about bringing Mrs Brown's Boys back to screens in 2027. He also announced the postponement of the 'Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Panto?' shows scheduled for later this year at the 3 Arena Dublin and INEC Killarney, and is working with MCD Productions to reschedule them for 2027.
Support from BBC and MCD
O'Carroll thanked his partners for their support: 'I would like to thank MCD and the BBC for their support and understanding at this difficult time.' He emphasised that the decision was made on medical advice, saying, 'This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made on medical advice from my Consultant. To say I am heartbroken is an absolute understatement.'
A BBC spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating: 'We wish Brendan a full and speedy recovery and are working with him on plans for Mrs Brown's Boys in 2027.'
Apology to Fans and Future Plans
O'Carroll apologised to fans who were looking forward to the shows, saying, 'I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused.' He added, 'I now need to focus on getting myself back to full health, and 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!'
The cancellations affect both the television specials and the live shows, with O'Carroll confirming that the 3 Arena Dublin and INEC Killarney performances are postponed. He is working with MCD Productions to reschedule these dates for 2027, and discussions with the BBC are underway for a return of the series next year.
