SO SAD: Mrs Brown’s Boys star provides health update as Brendan O’Carroll misses NTAS
Mrs Brown’s Boys made a surprise return to the winners’ circle at the 2026 National Television Awards, but creator and star Brendan O’Carroll was unable to be there as he continues recovering from surgery.
The BBC comedy won Best Comedy on Tuesday night, beating Amandaland, Changing Ends, Last One Laughing and Not Going Out.
It marked the show’s first victory in the category since 2014, when it completed a run of three consecutive wins.
But as the Mrs Brown’s Boys team took to the stage, attention quickly turned to O’Carroll, who was absent from the ceremony because of a recent medical issue.
A representative from the show told the audience: “Apologies I’m not Brendan, Brendan is in Florida recovering from an operation.”
He added: “All love to you Brendan and get well soon. Of course, behind every man is a great woman, love to Jenny [Brendan’s wife] as well.”
Brendan Recovering After Jaw Surgery
O’Carroll recently confirmed that he had been forced to cancel filming for the 2026 Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas and New Year specials after scans revealed two fractures in his jaw.
The 70-year-old actor, who has played Agnes Brown since the BBC series began in 2011, said doctors advised him that immediate surgery was required.
“It is with sincere regret I must announce that due to an unexpected medical issue I will have to cancel the recordings of the 2026 Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas and New Year’s Specials,” he said in a statement last month.
“Following a CT Scan, it was found that I had two fractures in my mandible (jaw) which requires immediate surgery and a few months recovery.”
The health setback also forced O’Carroll to postpone planned Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Panto? performances in Dublin and Killarney later this year.
He said the team was working with organisers to try to reschedule the shows for 2027.
Despite the disruption, O’Carroll made clear that discussions were already taking place about bringing the sitcom back to screens next year.
“I am talking with the BBC about getting Mrs. Brown’s Boys back on the screen in 2027,” he said.
Emotional Message Read on Stage
With O’Carroll unable to attend the NTAs, a message from Paddy Houlihan, who plays his son on the series, was read from the stage.
“Brendan O’Carroll wasn’t expecting to win,” the speech began.
“We are truly humbled that after 16 years of making this show with this great family we have won this.”
The message continued: “Thank you so much for voting for us.”
Houlihan’s speech also reflected on how closely O’Carroll is associated with the programme both on and off screen.
“Normally if we won an award Brendan would be up here thanking every member of the team, it means that much to him and we are that much a family.”
He then broke with the usual tradition by dedicating the moment directly to O’Carroll.
“I want to break with tradition, and thank the one person who without none of us would be here,” the message said.
“I know he’s in your hearts tonight, a huge thank you and get well soon to Brendan O’Carroll.”
Major Win After 12-Year Wait
The victory came as a surprise after more than a decade without a win in the Best Comedy category.
Mrs Brown’s Boys had previously dominated the award, taking home the prize three years in a row before its last victory in 2014.
The show, built around O’Carroll’s outspoken matriarch Agnes Brown and her chaotic family life, has remained a regular fixture on BBC television despite years of divided critical reaction.
This year’s public vote put the comedy back on top, making the result especially significant for the cast at a time when its leading star is recovering.
O’Carroll’s absence cast an emotional note over the celebration, but the update from the stage confirmed that he is recuperating in Florida following his operation.
For the Mrs Brown’s Boys team, the award was therefore both a long-awaited comeback and a chance to send support to the man who created the show.
With O’Carroll already discussing a potential return in 2027, the cast’s message was clear: the victory belonged to him as much as anyone.
