Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll sorry for making 'clumsy' joke where 'racial term' implied

'Mrs Brown's Boys' star Brendan O'Carroll has apologised for making a "clumsy" joke where a "racial term was implied".

The 69-year-old actor and the show's creator made the quip during a read-through for the programme's upcoming Christmas special, resulting in the BBC suspending production while an investigation was launched.

Brendan - who stars in the show as potty-mouthed matriarch Agnes Brown - told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "At a read-through of the Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied.

"It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised."

A source told the publication: "The whole production of the Christmas special was paused while the investigation was carried out.

"The entire cast and crew were stood down in the wake of the comment as the BBC tried to get to the bottom of it."

However, rehearsals have since restarted following Brendan's apology.

The BBC said: "Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise."

Earlier this week, Brendan revealed he had landed a new BBC comedy series called 'Shedites', which will feature legendary comedian Tommy Cannon in a leading role.

Brendan was quoted by The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column as saying: "It's using comedy to touch on men's mental health.

"The BBC loved the pilot. Hopefully it will be out in the fall."

A pilot episode has been penned and is thought to have been well-received by BBC bosses.