Brendan O’Carroll has insisted Mrs Brown’s Boys will remain on television for as long as the BBC wants it, as he reflected on the show’s enduring success.
Speaking to The Standard on the red carpet at London’s O2 Arena, the creator and star of the hit comedy said he has no intention of hanging up his trademark cardigan.
“As long as the BBC say keep making it I’m going to keep making it,” declared the Irish star,
Asked whether he still enjoys the process after more than a decade on air, O’Carroll was quick to reply: “F*** yeah! People ask me when do you start thinking about the Christmas tree? I say January the first, I think about it all year.
“I love the Christmas specials because it’s a tradition now and it’s warm and it’s very much a family time and the family are all in the show so it’s good.
“When you see it Christmas Day that’s when we all see it for the first time too.”
The festive episodes have become a fixture of the BBC schedule since the sitcom launched in 2011, pulling in millions of viewers each year. O’Carroll, 69, writes and stars alongside real life family members including wife Jennifer Gibney, who plays Cathy.
Bringing a splash of colour to proceedings, O’Carroll cut a striking figure in a rainbow blazer splashed with neon pink, orange, blue and green, worn over a black shirt and tie with his trademark bowler hat. He was joined in the audience by his wife and co star Jennifer Gibney, who plays Cathy in the sitcom.
However, Mrs Brown’s Boys was pipped to the post in the Best Comedy category at this year’s NTAs, with Gavin and Stacey taking home the prize following its last ever episode which aired last Christmas.
Despite missing out on the trophy, O’Carroll said he was simply delighted to still be part of the occasion: “To be here, to still be nominated, that’s the joy for me.” He even appeared in the press room afterwards to cheer his fellow comedy nominees on.
Other big winners on the night included I’m A Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, and Gary Lineker, who sensationally ended Ant and Dec’s two decade run as Best Presenter winner.
