Brendan O'Carroll, the 70-year-old creator and star of Mrs Brown's Boys, has cancelled the sitcom's 2026 Christmas and New Year specials after doctors found two fractures in his jaw requiring immediate surgery. The comedian announced the decision on Instagram on Monday, saying filming could not proceed while he undergoes treatment and months of recovery.
In his statement, O'Carroll explained that a CT scan had revealed the extent of the injury.
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.
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 revealed that he is in discussions with broadcasters about resuming production of the show in 2027 once he has recovered.
What is Mrs Brown's Boys and why does it matter to fans?
Mrs Brown's Boys is a long-running comedy that first appeared on screens in 2011, with O'Carroll playing the sharp-tongued Irish mother Agnes Brown. Although reviewers have often been critical of the show, it has remained enormously popular with audiences and has picked up several comedy honours at the National Television Awards, including victories over acclaimed series such as those featuring Ricky Gervais and Fleabag.
What else has been postponed because of the injury?
Beyond the television specials, O'Carroll confirmed that his festive stage shows, Mrs Brown's Boys D'Panto?, scheduled to run in Dublin and Killarney, will also be delayed. According to a report on the cancellation, the Dublin performances were due to take place at the 3Arena, and both the Dublin and Killarney dates are now expected to be rescheduled for 2027.
O'Carroll stressed that the decision was made carefully and on the advice of his medical team.
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.
I would like to sincerely apologise to all our fans who were looking forward to seeing the shows and for any disappointment caused.
How has O'Carroll responded to fans and supporters?
The performer said his priority now is recovering fully before returning to work, and he expressed gratitude to those who have supported the show over the years.
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.
He also thanked production company MCD, as well as the national broadcaster behind the series, for their understanding during what he described as a difficult period.
What happens next for Mrs Brown's Boys?
A spokeswoman for the broadcaster confirmed that discussions are already underway about the show's future, though no filming dates or broadcast schedule have yet been set.
We wish Brendan a full and speedy recovery and are working with him on plans for Mrs Brown's Boys in 2027.
According to the same report, both the postponed panto performances and the television specials are being targeted for a 2027 return, pending O'Carroll's recovery timeline.
- O'Carroll, 70, requires surgery for two fractures in his jaw.
- The 2026 Christmas and New Year Mrs Brown's Boys specials have been cancelled.
- Panto shows in Dublin's 3Arena and Killarney are postponed, with a planned return in 2027.
- The broadcaster and O'Carroll are working on plans to bring the show back in 2027.
