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Mrs Brown's Boys suffers ratings low after signing new deal with BBC

Photo credit: BBC/Alan Peebles
Photo credit: BBC/Alan Peebles

From Digital Spy

Mrs Brown's Boys recently signed a deal to have a new Christmas special on BBC One every year until 2026.

But it looks like viewers might be losing interest in the exploits of Brendan O'Carroll's foul-mouthed matriarch.

As reported by Metro, the 2020 special only managed to get 3.8 million viewers on the big day. That's down a fair amount from last year's 4.6 million, and only just over a third of the 9.3 million that the 2013 special managed.

Photo credit: BBC/Alan Peebles
Photo credit: BBC/Alan Peebles

Related: A spirited defence (yes, really) of Mrs Brown's Boys

It's understandable that a show that has been on for so long would attract less interest from the general public, and it's very possible that with families kept apart by lockdown rules on December 25, folks didn't feel the need to watch traditional Christmas TV.

The rating news comes as O'Carroll confirmed earlier this month that Mrs Brown's Boys will continue to air a Christmas Special in the 10pm slot on BBC One until 2026.

"We've been doing it for nine years already – which is six more than The Royle Family had and more than Morecambe and Wise," he explained.

Photo credit: Alan Peebles - BBC
Photo credit: Alan Peebles - BBC

Related: Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll almost didn't play the title role

"This new deal we signed last week goes all the way to 2026, which means I will be able to grow into the part, and we've a clause in which guarantees Mrs Brown is aired at 10pm on Christmas night, or else we don't have to make it.

"I wanted that because if it's not good enough for Christmas Day, then we shouldn't be making it."

The Mrs Brown's Boys 2020 Christmas Special is available on BBC iPlayer.


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