BBC accused of 'flogging a dead horse' as it drops Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas bombshell: 'We pay for it!'

The comedy divides opinion, prompting many to complain about the Brendan O'Carroll-led show that sees him take on the role of Agnes Brown, the matriarch of her chaotic family.

It's now been confirmed the series will be back for its two festive editions this year, although times and dates remain under wraps for now.

Those looking forward to their Christmas TV schedule instantly took to social media following the BBC's announcement, with Mrs Brown's Boys once again causing controversy.

Responding to the news of the comedy return, one penned on X, formerly Twitter: "Of course it does. It shows that the BBC has nothing to show us.

"So is still paying probably a fortune for a show that basically seems to have the same story each Christmas. No wonder people are cancelling the tv licence."

One former fan claimed the show had run its course, adding: "I use to love this show, it's gone on too long the storylines are awful now. Time to call it a day."

"Why do they flog this dead horse?" a third asked before another queried: "No one even watches this, why does it get new episodes every Christmas?"

Another user wrote: "If I could cancel my tv license, I would. The current listings are c**p & we're paying for it. Reruns, repeats, nothing new, same old faces. Give us something worthy to watch."

Some were more pleased by the news though, with one fan sharing: "Great to have Mrs browns back on this Christmas."

The Christmas Special itself was recently under scrutiny over racism accusations, with O'Carroll confessing to a "clumsy joke".

The 69-year-old, who plays the titular character, used an offensive term that shocked those in the live audience.

The BBC swiftly launched a probe into the matter, causing a delay in production at their Pacific Quay studios in Scotland.

A source told The Mirror: "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."

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Following the investigation, O'Carroll issued an apology for his remarks. He told The Mirror: "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."

Charlotte Moore, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, stated following the schedule announcement: "No one does Christmas quite like the BBC, and this year we have raised the bar even higher with a cracking line-up that will bring people together across the UK.

"I'm incredibly excited to be showcasing the finest British creativity and welcoming back some of the nation's favourite characters in the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey and the premiere of Wallace and Gromit's new feature-length adventure."