EXCLUSIVE: Telly favourite Mrs Brown's Boys is in crisis after losing two of its top cast members who found out they were earning less than their co-stars
Damien McKiernan and Gary Hollywod were furious when they found out they were earning less than their co-stars(Image: BBC)
Telly favourite Mrs Brown’s Boys is in crisis after losing two of its most popular stars in a row over pay.
Gary Hollywood and Damien McKiernan were furious when they found out they were earning less than their co-stars earlier this year.
The pair, who play boyfriends Dino and Rory, complained and it caused a row with the show’s bosses.
Gary was then told he would have a reduced role in this year’s festive shows, which left him so angry he has quit.
And Damien has now been told that he has been axed.
An insider said: “Gary and Damien were confused and hurt when they realised they were getting paid less than the others. When they raised the issue it did not go down very well.
“Gary was later told he would only be appearing in one of this year’s Christmas specials. That was the last straw, so he told them he was quitting.
“Co-stars including Jennifer Gibney tried to convince him to stay, but his mind is made up.”
The insider added: “It was even worse news for Damien.
“He was simply told he is being written out. They are both heartbroken that things have turned out this way.” Work on two festive episodes has already started without the pair.
Cast members were frustrated when the show's live UK stage tour was axed due to the pandemic(Image: BBC)
The drama comes after months of animosity on the show, which is fronted by Brendan O’Carroll.
Insiders say the atmosphere behind the scenes is “uncomfortable and sometimes even toxic”.
Our source said: “There have been feuds between some of the cast for a while now. What happens off-screen is a world away from the fun viewers see.”
Cast members were also frustrated when the show’s live UK stage tour was axed due to the pandemic.
The move meant stars missed out on a bumper payday.
The tour dates have been rescheduled for next year but there is no guarantee the shows will go ahead.
The BBC declined to comment. Mrs Brown’s Boys’ production company did not respond to a request for comment.
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