‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ Star Brendan O'Carroll Donates Christmas Dinner To 2,700 Families

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is usually a pretty good time for Brendan O’Carroll, whose annual ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ festive specials are regularly one of the most-watched shows on TV - but he’s now done something to make sure plenty of others have a better time too.

The actor and his wife Jennifer Gibney have donated Christmas dinners to 2,700 families, via the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) charity, helping families in the Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow areas.

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Brendan and Jennifer
Artur Widak/PA Archive

The actor’s donation funds vouchers that will be distributed to those who need them, and he told The Irish Mirror: “It’s great. When I was a lot younger, if it hadn’t been for Saint Vincent De Paul, I wouldn’t have had a Christmas.”

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Mrs Brown will be back on our screens at the weekend
BBC Pictures

This year’s ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ Christmas Special will air on BBC1 at 10.30pm on Christmas Day, and as usual, there will be plenty of laughs in store, as Grandad is at the centre of the action.

Other top Christmas TV picks include ‘Call The Midwife’, which will be set in South Africa, and the ‘EastEnders’ specials. See all of our Christmas TV picks below…

Christmas TV Picks 2016
‘The Great Christmas Bake Off’(01 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 4.45pm and Boxing Day at 7pm on BBC One

It’s the end of an era as Mel and Sue, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood come together for one last time for two specials. Marking the last time ‘Bake Off’ will air on the BBC. these episodes will see a host of former contestants return to make a selection of festive bakes. It's sure to be a fitting send off.
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‘Outnumbered’(02 of39)
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When? Boxing Day at 10pm on BBC One

The Brockmans are back after nearly three years, and while the kids have grown up, it’s clear to see nothing has changed in their chaotic household. In this 40-minute special, it's Boxing Day and the family has to carry out a special mission for Grandad. They encounter car problems, child problems, parent problems, emotional problems and, errrm, World War Two.
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‘Sherlock’(03 of39)
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When? New Year’s Day on BBC One, time TBC

Sherlock’s fourth series launches on New Year’s Day, with its first feature-length episode. While few plot details are currently know, we do know that Doctor Watson and his wife, Mary, are preparing for their biggest ever challenge - becoming parents for the first time.
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‘Revolting Rhymes’(04 of39)
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When? Boxing Day and Tuesday 27 December at 6.30pm on BBC One

After the rave reviews of ‘Esio Trot’ in 2014, another Roald Dahl adaptation is coming to BBC One this Christmas. For those who haven’t read ‘Revolting Rhymes’, it takes the classic fairy tales of ‘Cinderella’, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, ‘Snow White’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs’, mixes them together and serves them with a mischievous twist.
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‘Grantchester’ (05 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 9pm on ITV

The first ever Christmas special of Grantchester will see pregnant Amanda (Morven Christie) adjusting to life having left her husband, Guy (Tom Austen) at the end of the last series. The love between Sidney (James Norton) and Amanda is palpable, but can a vicar in the 1950s really be romantically involved with a married, pregnant woman?
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‘EastEnders’(06 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 9.30pm on BBC One

Christmas is never a cheery time in Walford, and this year is set to be no different. This Yuletide sees the return of Max Branning, who is out for revenge on the Beales after being framed for Lucy’s murder. The Mitchells also come to terms with the fact it could be Phil’s last Christmas as his cirrhosis takes hold. Meanwhile, newlywed Lee Carter struggles with the burden of his mounting secrets.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’(07 of39)
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When? Saturday 18 December at 6.40pm and Christmas Day at 6.45pm on BBC One

This year’s competition reaches its thrilling climax on 18 December, as the public decide on who lifts the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Then on Christmas Day, six former stars (Denise Lewis, Pamela Stephenson, Frankie Bridge, Gethin Jones, Melvin Odoom and Ainsley Harriott) are returning to the ballroom for a special festive edition, which also marks the final appearance of Head Judge Len Goodman.
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‘Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs At Christmas’ (08 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 6.45pm on ITV

Paul O'Grady returns to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for a one-hour special of his heart-warming show, which sees him bringing some much-needed festive cheer to the canine residents.
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‘Doctor Who’(09 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 5.45pm on BBC One

Having been off our screens for a year, the Doctor is back for a new adventure, which sees him join forces with a comic-book superhero (Justin Chatwin) and an investigative journalist ( Charity Wakefield), as they battle to save New York from a deadly alien threat.
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‘Emmerdale’(10 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 5.45pm on ITV

After an action-packed few months,‘Emmerdale’ bosses have so-far revealed Christmas will “very Christmassy this year”. While exact storylines are yet to be revealed, executive producer Iain MacLeod, previously said: “We wanted it to be slightly fluffier, although that’s not to say it won’t have its own dramatic twists and turns.”
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‘The Real Marigold On Tour: Florida’(11 of39)
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When? Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 December at 9pm on BBC Two

Inspired by their stay in ‘The Real Marigold Hotel’ in India, Miriam Margolyes, Wayne Sleep, Bobby George and Rosemary Shrager reunite to road-test retirement in the places reputed to be the best in the world to grow old.
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‘The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas’(12 of39)
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When? Thursday 22 December at 8pm on Channel 4

With Christmas approaching, the keepers at Chester hope to include the animals in the festivities, but some of the animals aren't getting into the Christmas spirit...
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‘The Witness For The Prosecution’(13 of39)
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When? Boxing Day and Tuesday 27 December at 9pm on BBC One

Following the successful adaptation of ‘And Then There Were None’ last Christmas, the BBC have another Agatha Christie classic in their festive schedule. The drama is set in 1920s London, and sees the brutal murder of the glamorous and rich Emily French (Kim Cattrall). All the evidence points to Leonard Vole (Billy Howle), a young chancer to whom the heiress left her vast fortune and who ruthlessly took her life - at least, this is the story that Emily’s dedicated housekeeper Janet McIntyre (Monica Dolan) stands by in court. However, Leonard is adamant that his partner, chorus girl Romaine (Andrea Riseborough), can prove his innocence.
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‘Last Tango In Halifax’(14 of39)
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When? Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December at 9pm on BBC One

This Christmas two-parter catches up with Caroline (Sarah Lancashire) two years after Kate’s tragic death. In a new job and a new home, Caroline finds herself moving on from Kate when she shares a moment with an interesting woman. Meanwhile, Gillian’s (Nicola Walker) relationship with Robbie (Dean Andrews) is thrown when issues from her past come back to haunt her.
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‘Life In The Snow’(15 of39)
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When? Thursday 29 December on BBC One, time TBC

With ‘Planet Earth 2’ having captured the imagination of viewers over the last few weeks, this new BBC nature special meets the animals who make their home in the snow. Gordon Buchanan reveals how remarkable creatures, including polar bears, reindeer, robins and penguins, have conquered the cold in the world’s most spectacular winter wonderlands.
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‘Call The Midwife’(16 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 8pm on BBC One

This year’s Christmas special sees Nonnatus House receive an SOS call from a tiny mission hospital in South Africa that is understaffed, underfunded and threatened with closure. The family then face some of their toughest challenges as they battle to save Hope Clinic and make a difference to the lives of the people that use it.
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‘Ethel And Ernest’(17 of39)
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When? Wednesday 28 December at 7.30pm on BBC One

Based on the children’s book by ‘The Snowman’ creator Raymond Briggs, this heart-warming animated feature tells the story of his own parents, Ethel and Ernest, who are voiced by Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent.
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‘Big Fat Quiz Of The Year’(18 of39)
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When? Boxing Day at 9pm on Channel 4

Richard Ayoade, Rob Delaney, Mel Giedroyc, Sarah Millican, David Mitchell and Romesh Ranganathan put their knowledge of the past 12 months to the test in Jimmy Carr’s annual quizathon.
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‘Maigret’s Dead Man’(19 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 9pm on ITV

ITV has decided to place its latest adaptation of the books by Georges Simenon at the centre of its Christmas schedule, following its well-received debut in March. Rowan Atkinson returns as the French detective Jules Maigret, as he investigates murderous attacks on three wealthy farms.
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‘Top Of The Pops’(20 of39)
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When? Christmas Day and New Year’s Day on BBC One, time TBC

Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates are back at the helm of the much-missed music show, with two specials looking back on the biggest acts of 2016. There will be performances from Clean Bandit, DNCE, Olly Murs, Skepta, Jonas Blue, Zara Larsson, Calum Scott, Kungs, James Arthur, Craig David, Louisa Johnson, Dua Lipa and Blossoms, plus many more.
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‘Charlie Brooker’s 2016 Wipe’(21 of39)
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When? Thursday 29 December at 9pm on BBC Two

Charlie Brooker will be attempting to squeeze all of his views on the crazy events of 2016 into just an hour show. Yeah, good luck with that one, Charlie.
‘Walliams And Friend’ (22 of39)
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When? Tuesday 27 December at 10pm on BBC One

David Walliams enlists the help of ‘Downton Abbey’ actor Hugh Bonneville for his latest collection of comedy sketches, which see Lord Alan Sugar dishing out the hardest ever ‘Apprentice’ tasks, and even the Countess of Grantham in her new commercial.
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‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’(23 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 10.30pm on BBC One, with a second episode TBC

Brendan O’Carroll’s Marmite sitcom returns, with two editions set to have families divided up and down the nation. Agnes and her family never seem to have a quiet festive season, and this year is no different, as Grandad’s health becomes a concern for everyone. Meanwhile, Agnes steps in to help grandson Bono with school bullies, but ends up making things far, far worse.
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‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ (24 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 7.30pm on Channel 4

Olivia Colman, Pam Ferris and Mark Williams lend their voices to this animated adaptation of Michael Rosen's classic children's book, about a family who go on the hunt for a bear.
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‘Jonathan Creek’(25 of39)
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When? Wednesday 28 December at 9pm on BBC One

Alan Davies and Sarah Alexander return as Jonathan Creek and his wife Polly, as the super sleuths try and uncover what happened to a young woman’s family in her eerie childhood home. Featuring an appearance from ‘Harry Potter’ actor Warwick Davis, the gruesome rituals that were once enacted in the dungeon of the house are frighteningly revived with horrifying consequences.
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'Coronation Street'(26 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 8pm on ITV

'Corrie' bosses are yet to confirm details of what to expect from this year's one-long Christmas Day episode, but rumour has it a familiar face will be returning to t'cobbles...
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‘Gogglesprogs’ (27 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 8pm on Channel 4

The nation’s dinkiest couch potatoes are back to deliver their uninhibited opinions and hilarious take on a range of TV highlights from 2016, including ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘First Dates’ and ‘Planet Earth II’, and some classic Christmas movies.
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‘Birds Of A Feather’(28 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 8pm on ITV

Expect comedy and capers when the gang head off to Morocco in search for Tracey’s missing son, Travis, who has mysteriously disappeared while on his gap year. Watch out for an appearance from former ‘EastEnders’ star Martin Kemp too.
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‘The Last Leg’ Christmas Special(29 of39)
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When? Friday 23 December at 9pm on Channel 4

In their final instalment of the year, Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker embrace the Christmas spirit in a way only they can, working out who was naughty and nice in 2016. The boys will be joined by a variety of guests including Grayson Perry.
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‘Lip Sync Battle UK’(30 of39)
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When? Tuesday 20 December at 10.35pm on Channel 5

Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie (aka EastEnders’ Kat and Alfie Moon) take on each other in a fierce miming battle on a Christmas special of the Channel 5 hit.
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‘The Windsors’(31 of39)
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When? Friday 23 December at 10pm on Channel 4

The comedy soap opera returns sending up our beloved royals and satirising what seasonal celebrations at Sandringham might involve.
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‘Alan Carr’s Christmas Chatty Man’(32 of39)
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When? Christmas Day at 10.30pm on Channel 4

Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue and Martin Kemp stop by for a chat with Alan to promote their new BBC talent show ‘Let It Shine’, while ‘Gogglebox’ stars Chris Steed and Stephen Webb also join in the merriment. Tom Daley will also be chatting about his new book ‘Tom's Daily Plan’, while Emeli Sande and Robbie Williams provide the music.
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‘The Entire Universe’ (33 of39)
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When? Boxing Day at 9.30pm on BBC Two

Eric Idle, Professor Brian Cox and creators of the Spamalot musical team up for this unique collaboration, which tells the story of the birth of the universe in just one hour.
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‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show’(34 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 7.25pm on BBC One

The comic hosts his annual ‘Big Show’, which this year is filmed in front of a live audience at the Theatre Royal in London’s Drury Lane. There’ll be performances from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Aled Jones is joined by a very special guest as he plays celebrity Send to All, and there’ll also be celebrity guest appearances from Nan (Catherine Tate), Kevin the teenager (Harry Enfield) and more.
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‘Blankety Blank’(35 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 6.30pm on ITV

David Walliams fronts a reboot of the classic gameshow, previously hosted by the late Sir Terry Wogan and Paul O’Grady’s alter-ego Lily Savage.
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‘Through The Keyhole’(36 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 10.30pm on ITV

Shayne Ward, Kelly Brook and Johnny Vegas open up their homes for Keith Lemon to take a snoop around, as he serves up clues to help the celebrity panel guess “who habitates in a house like this?”
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‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ (37 of39)
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When? Christmas Eve at 8pm on Channel 4

Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Kathy Burke take on Jon Richardson and Russell Howard. Joe Lycett also joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner.
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‘Inside No 9 - The Devil Of Christmas’(38 of39)
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When? Tuesday 27 December at 10pm on BBC Two

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith return with a seasonally-twisted special of their anthology comedy. The Devonshire family head to Austrian alpine chalet for the holidays, but soon learn of the local legend that is The Devil of Christmas...
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‘Educating Joey Essex: What You Sleighing?’(39 of39)
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When? Thursday 22 December at 9pm on ITV2

The former ‘TOWIE’ star is on a mission to discover the true meaning of Christmas, and will be put through his paces at Santa School to see if he can make it as a working Santa, before heading to Lapland to meet the man himself. He’ll also be returning to his primary school to star in their nativity.
(credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)