The show ended back in 2013, returning for special episodes over the Christmas and New Year period in the years since. However, this year’s Christmas Day special failed to go down so well with those watching at home, coming just days after former show star Gary Hollywood made his feelings about the behind-the-scenes of the programme clear. A source close to the star has claimed he is “happier” since leaving the programme due to being “away from the tension.”
Gary left his role as Dino Doyle earlier on in the year after being on the programme since 2004.
Despite show creator Brendan O’Carroll having recently insisted himself and Gary remain on good terms, the latter has said differently.
The 42-year-old recently opened up about how he felt he wasn’t being paid equally and took issue with his standing in the show.
Speaking out last week, Gary said: “I feel I wasn’t being paid equally and I wasn’t being given an explanation for decisions.
He went on to confirm to the Daily Star: “I am taking legal action. The papers have been lodged for a tribunal and the process has now started.”
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The festive instalment saw Agnes Brown (played by Brendan O’Carroll) discover she had won a prestigious competition.
The matriarch had won the opportunity to deliver how own Queen’s Speech which she took upon herself to try and make the most of.
Agnes included references to the coronavirus pandemic, panic buying and coronavirus test results, attempting to allude to the turbulent year which has unfolded.
Unfortunately, the show’s Christmas special saw just 3.8 million viewers tune in – it’s worst ratings since 2011.
Brendan recently spoke out about the supposed row between himself and his former co-star, dismissing the claims.
He explained: “Some people claimed Gary left because of a row over money but it wasn’t true.
“They didn’t know the full story and it was amicable.
“I got a lot of abuse over it on social media but I let it go over my head,” he told Dublin Live.
Mrs Brown’s Boys airs on New Year’s Day on BBC One.