Mrs Brown's Boys star breaks silence on Christmas Eve show axe

Brendan O’Carroll has broken his silence (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Brendan O’Carroll has expressed his astonishment at a broadcaster’s choice to scrap its live Christmas Eve programme, as fans were left devastated. The Mrs Brown’s Boys star typically co-presents the live RTÉ transmission from Dublin’s Grafton Street alongside Liveline presenter Joe Duffy. During the show, they chat with shoppers and permit members of the public to send messages to friends and family tuning in from across the globe.

Nevertheless, Joe stepped down from his role earlier this year, with Kieran Cuddihy assuming his position. RTÉ has subsequently chosen not to broadcast live from the capital this year citing “operational reasons” but maintains the programme will make a comeback in future.

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Brendan usually presents the show (Image: Brian McEvoy)

Speaking to The Irish Sun, Brendan revealed: “It’s certainly not a decision I would make. I really am surprised RTE aren’t doing the show on Grafton Street this year.

“It would have been the declaration of the definitive handing over from Joe Duffy to Kieran Cuddihy and I’m sure Kieran would have been well able for it.

“So I’m bemused RTÉ are not doing it, and I’m also sad for the people who won’t be able to tune in, just to hear a little bit of home.

“You’d have people listening in most years from Australia, New Zealand, even as far away as Argentina. That’s not happening this year.”

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Mrs Brown’s Boys is returning for a new special (Image: BBC)

RTÉ has also chosen not to air Shedites, a fresh comedy drama from Brendan’s BOC Productions and BBC Studios, which will be shown as part of a double bill with Mrs Brown’s Boys on BBC One this New Year’s Day.

The Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special is scheduled to air on RTE1 at 9.05pm on Christmas night and at 10.15pm on BBC One.

Despite some critics’ disapproval of the show’s old-fashioned slapstick humour and jokes, Brendan insists that the fans adore it.

Interestingly, he hasn’t previewed this year’s episode yet, maintaining the tradition that the first viewing for him and the rest of the cast will be on Christmas night.

The entire family, many of whom feature in the show, will gather at his and wife Jenny’s home in Blanchardstown, donned in their pyjamas along with the grandchildren, to enjoy the show together on Christmas night.