The special, which aired in the prime time slot of 10pm, proved a flop in the yearly ratings war for the BBC
Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas special (Image: BBC/Alan Peebles)
Mrs Brown’s Boys suffered its lowest ratings in almost a decade this Christmas – after being signed for six more years by the BBC.
The news comes as a double blow to show boss Brendan O’Carroll following reports former star Gary Hollywood is suing the show.
The sitcom returned for its annual Christmas special on Friday night with matriarch Agnes Brown, played by O’Carroll, preparing to celebrate the festive season during the pandemic.
But the special, which aired in the prime time slot of 10pm, proved a flop in the yearly ratings war for the broadcaster, pulling in 3.8 million viewers to BBC One.
At its peak Mrs Brown’s Boys was watched by 11 million viewers in 2013.
The latest figures mark the lowest ratings for the show on BBC since 2011 during its debut series. It comes after the BBC signed up the show for another six years – keeping it on the air until 2026.
The ratings blow follows reports that creator and star of the show O’Carroll is being sued.
The Dubliner faces accusations of constructive dismissal and workplace discrimination after an alleged row over pay with fellow actor Hollywood.
The Glaswegian, best known as Dino Doyle in the show before leaving the series earlier this year, revealed he is also taking legal action against the BBC as he believes he was not “paid equally”.
The 41-year-old told The Daily Star: “I feel I wasn’t being given an explanation for decisions.
“When I tried to resolve it, nothing was done. I was just disregarded.
“But I won’t put up with it any more.”
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