💔 Gogglebox Star Jenny Newby’s Secret Health Battle — and Lee Riley’s Tearful Devotion That’s Breaking Hearts Across Britain 😢

 

💔 “It Was Like Losing One of Our Own” — Brendan O’Carroll’s Emotional Tribute to Mrs Brown’s Boys Crew Member

Brendan O’Carroll has spoken movingly about the devastating loss of a much-loved Mrs Brown’s Boys crew member, describing the death as “like losing one of the family.”

The heartbreaking tribute comes after Dennis Knotts, the show’s longtime props master, sadly passed away from Covid-19 earlier this month — news that sent shockwaves through the cast and crew of the beloved BBC comedy.

Dennis wasn’t just another name on the credits. For more than a decade, he had been a constant presence behind the scenes, working on every single Mrs Brown’s Boys production filmed with BBC Scotland. His death left a silence that many involved say is impossible to fill.

💬 “He Was With Us From the Very Beginning”

Speaking to the Irish Independent, O’Carroll struggled to hide his emotion as he reflected on Dennis’s impact.

“He was the most adorable man,” Brendan said. “We absolutely adored him. He worked on every show we’ve done with the BBC for ten years — every single one. He wasn’t just our props master; he was part of the heartbeat of the show.”

Brendan revealed that the cast made the heartfelt decision to dedicate the Christmas episode to Dennis, honouring his memory in the only way they knew how — by doing what they all loved, together.

“We lost one of the family,” he added. “Some people had worked with Dennis for more than 40 years. They’re devastated. They still can’t believe he’s gone.”

🎄 Tragedy Strikes in the Middle of Filming

Brendan’s wife and co-star, Jennifer Gibney, also spoke about the painful moment the cast learned of Dennis’s passing — right in the middle of filming one of the festive specials.

“We were actually recording when the news came through,” she said. “It stopped us in our tracks. We were all shaken.”

But instead of walking away, the cast made a powerful decision.

“We said, ‘Let’s do this one for Dennis.’ That’s how we got through it. We put our hearts into that episode for him.”

Jennifer also used the moment to remind fans that the pandemic’s impact is far from over, urging people to continue taking precautions.

🎭 The Return of the Live Audience — An Emotional Moment

The tribute comes as Mrs Brown’s Boys marks its 10th anniversary with a special live television event — filmed in front of a studio audience for the first time since the pandemic began.

The anniversary show, Mrs Brown’s Boys Live – 10 Year Anniversary, brings a supernatural twist to the familiar chaos, with Agnes Brown being haunted by a mysterious soul — one that only she can see.

For Brendan and the cast, returning to a live audience was deeply emotional.

“You realise the audience aren’t just watching the show — they’re part of it,” Brendan said. “We feed off them. Their laughter gives us energy.”

He admitted that hearing the theme music again after 18 months away nearly brought him to tears.

“I almost cried. It hit me all at once. That feeling, that connection — we had missed it more than we realised.”

🏆 A Show That Defied All Expectations

What began as a small theatre production more than 21 years ago has grown into one of Britain’s most recognisable and enduring comedies. At its peak in 2013, the show drew over 11 million viewers, later earning the title of Best Sitcom of the 21st Century in a Radio Times poll.

Even now, Brendan says the show’s longevity still amazes him.

“Ten years on TV is a very long time for any comedy,” he said. “We know how lucky we are.”

Despite the success, Brendan remains grounded.

“Me and Jenny both had real jobs before this. We know what it’s like to struggle. We never take this for granted — we get to play dress-up for a living.”

❤️ “Agnes Will Always Save the Day”

As millions prepare to tune in for the live anniversary show, Brendan says he doesn’t allow himself to dwell on what could go wrong.

“There’s no point worrying — it would wreck your head,” he laughed. “No matter what happens, Agnes will pick it up. She’ll save the day.”

And in many ways, that spirit — resilience, humour, and heart — is exactly how the Mrs Brown’s Boys family is choosing to remember Dennis Knotts.

Not just as a colleague.

Not just as a crew member.

But as one of their own.

📺 Mrs Brown’s Boys Live – 10 Year Anniversary airs on BBC One, Friday October 29 at 9:30pm.