THE Mrs Brown’s Boys cast believe they have saved Christmas after getting two festive specials in the bag.
Brendan O’Carroll and co finished filming two hour-long specials at the BBC in Glasgow, Scotland — with just enough time to get back to Ireland before the country enters a second lockdown.
Filming was emotional for the Mrs Brown's Boys cast as they hadn’t seen each other since last DecemberCredit: BBC
Dermot O’Neill, who plays Grandad, yesterday told the Irish Sun: “We’re all home now in Dublin and self-isolating for the next ten days.
“But the shows are in the bag and we hope it gives everyone a big laugh. It’s what we all need.”
Social distancing rules meant there was no wrap party for the cast and crew on the final day of filming in Glasgow.
COVID-FREE CAST
But the show’s stars were still jubilant to have made it through the three weeks of rehearsals and filming without anyone catching deadly Covid-19.
Dermot explained: “You’d have a Covid test on Monday morning and then you’d find out on Wednesday if you were clear.
“God knows what would have happened if anyone tested positive but thankfully we were all clear and we were able to keep going.”
And in a first for the beloved show, the two Mrs Brown’s Boys specials filmed without a live studio audience.
Dermot said: “Brendan can make ten people laugh or 10,000. He had us in stitches, knots. The cameramen, the whole crew.
“I’ve never seen him so good. It was a tough gig under the weirdest of circumstances but he rose to it so well. People forget Mrs Brown is all about Brendan, and when he’s on top form, there’s no stopping him.”
'EMOTIONAL'
Filming was emotional for the Mrs Brown cast as they hadn’t seen each other since they were on stage at Dublin’s 3Arena last December.
And all arena dates planned for this year were postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19.
Dermot said: “Mrs Brown is a close-knit family so it was great seeing everyone. That atmosphere on set was so warm.
“There was a real sense of achievement through all the filming, and just hoping that after the pandemic eases, we can get the show back on the road again and tour. Mrs Brown does make a lot people very happy.”
The 68-year-old actor — known affectionately as Bugsy to the cast — said he’s now looking forward to Christmas, adding: “Let’s face it, it couldn’t be any worse than last Christmas.”
Mrs Brown cast members accepting the comedy award for Mrs Brown's Boys at the National Television AwardsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Last December, Dermot was rushed to hospital after he became dehydrated during cancer treatment, with his wife Chickie begging for prayers.
Since then, he’s made a full recovery.
And asked how he will keep busy in 2021 if Mrs Brown can’t tour, he told us: “Golf, golf, golf . . . and a bit more golf.”
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