BREAKING: The BBC have confirmed that Mrs. Brown’s Boys has been removed from iPlayer. Nothing to do with any investigations. It’s just s**t….see more

The Irish actor Brendan O’Carroll has apologised over a “clumsy” joke where a “racial term was implied” during rehearsals for the upcoming Christmas special of Mrs Brown’s Boys.

The BBC temporarily paused rehearsals to investigate the incident, but they have since resumed at the broadcaster’s Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow – with shows going ahead as planned, the PA news agency understands.

Mrs Brown’s Boys creator and star O’Carroll, 69, will return to his role as mischievous matriarch Agnes Brown in the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day specials.

O’Carroll said in a statement given to PA: “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 BBC spokesperson 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.”