Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special was forced to change its running order by the BBC in case the Queen died.
The show’s creator Brendan O’Carroll revealed it was the “right thing to do” after flagging a potential gag to bosses.
In the upcoming special, Mammy Of the People, Agnes and Winnie will be seen entering a competition for an alternative Queen’s speech.
Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special: What did Brendan O’Carroll say?
However, bosses were quick to point out their concerns about filming a Christmas special in October, which featured references to the 94-year-old royal.
Speaking to the Irish Sun, Brendan explained how the BBC told him they have to be careful.
“I replied: ‘Why? Are you afraid of offending the Queen?’ Sure you only have to look at what The Crown is doing!” he said.
Read more: Alexa Christmas: Royal fans’ mixed reaction to changes to the Queen’s festive speech
The 65-year-old comedian went on: “They [the BBC] said suppose something happens to the Queen, before Christmas comes?
“If we put that bit in the main body of the show, then we will have to scrap the show. I went, ‘Wow you’re right!’ So we agreed that Mrs Brown would do her own Queen’s address in the end titles.
The BBC said fine but said we have to be careful about this
Thankfully, Brendan called the decision the “right thing”.
When is the Christmas special on?
Mrs Brown’s Boys will return for two brand new festive specials.
The traditional Christmas Day episode will air on BBC One at 10pm.
There will also be another special on New Year’s Day at 10pm.
During the Christmas Day festive special, we see Agnes and the Brown family trying to come to terms with the “new normal”.
Read more: Joanna Page from Gavin and Stacey divides viewers with appearance on Sunday Brunch
Meanwhile, in Mammy’s Memories on New Year’s Day, Cathy has a significant birthday and Winnie is burgled.
Brendan first began playing Mrs Brown back in 1992, and recently revealed that his beloved character isn’t going away anytime soon.
Speaking to The Irish Sun, the actor said: “We’ve been doing it for nine years already – which is six more than The Royle Family had and more than Morecambe and Wise.
“This new deal we signed last week goes all the way to 2026, which means I will be able to grow into the part.”
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.